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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Beef

    Cumberland Pie

    Published: Jun 15, 2022 · Modified: Jun 15, 2022 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    13 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cumberland pie with a text title overlay.
    Cumberland pie with a text title overlay.

    Cumberland pie is such an incredibly comforting dish, it will quickly become a family favourite. Similar to a cottage pie, but made with chunks of tender beef in a rich gravy that just melt in your mouth and then topped with slices of potato and cheese and breadcrumbs. And it only takes 10 minutes to prepare!

    A large round baking dish containing Cumberland pie with a portion removed.

    Don't be put off the long cook time of this recipe, as it involves just 10 minutes prep and it is all done in one pan. The rest of the time is letting the oven work its magic and cooking it low and slow until the beef is cooked to perfection.

    If you are looking for some other pie recipes to try, then why not try our Sausage and Mash Pie, Healthy Fish Pie, Shepherd's Pie or Cheesy Vegetable Pie?

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • What is Cumberland Pie?
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to make Cumberland pie - Step by step
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More beef recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • Easy - Once the beef and vegetables are browned, it's as simple as putting it in the oven and leaving it to cook before topping it with potato slices. Simple!
    • Comforting - A hearty and warming pie is total comfort food. This thick and rich gravy will just warm your belly.
    • Budget friendly - This is quite an inexpensive meal to make. Using diced beef makes it cheaper and the root vegetables are fairly cheap. You can also bulk it out with beans and vegetables.
    • Freezes well - This Cumberland pie recipe freezes and reheats really well, making it perfect for batch cooking and storing in the freezer for a rainy day.

    What is Cumberland Pie?

    You might be wondering what the difference is between a Cumberland pie and a cottage pie. Well, for a start, a Cumberland pie uses chunks of beef rather than minced beef. Also, rather than mashed potato on top that you would find on a cottage pie, a Cumberland pie has slices of potato layered on top. It is SO much better in our opinion.

    This delicious pie dates back to medieval times where it would have probably been made with game and had dried fruit added to it. It might of had a pastry crust back then too, but it has changed over time. It comes from Cumbria in the North West of England (the region we live in) it is very popular and loved by tourists and locals alike.

    Ingredients needed

    All the ingredients needed to make Cumberland Pie with text overlay labels.
    • Beef - We used diced beef for this, as it is what makes a Cumberland pie different from a cottage pie. It is a cheaper cut of meat, but this is cooked low and slow, so it breaks it all down and makes the meat really tender.
    • Flour - Don't skip this ingredient, because it is what is going to help make the gravy nice and thick.
    • Stock - Use a rich beef stock pot to make a really incredible gravy. If we were making this for our kids, then we would use a low salt stock.
    • Worcestershire sauce - This is our (not so) secret ingredient for any stew/casserole. It adds a real depth of flavour.
    • Potato - You can use any potatoes for this. Keep the skin on for extra fibre.
    • Breadcrumbs - If you want this topping extra crispy, then you can use panko breadcrumbs, but that wouldn't be very traditional.
    • Cheese - A mature cheddar works well here because it has a strong flavour, so a little bit goes a long way.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to make Cumberland pie - Step by step

    One: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Toss the beef chunks in the flour, salt and pepper.

    Two shot collage of beef chunks and flour on a plate, before and after mixing.

    Two: Using a large, oven proof pan, heat the oil for the beef and add the coated beef chunks. Brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside.

    Flour coated beef chunks frying in a large pan.

    Three: Heat the remaining oil and add the shallots, celery, leek and carrots. Cook on low until softened, about 6 minutes.

    Chopped celery, leeks and carrot in a pan, before and after cooking.

    Four: Add the beef back into the pan, along with the tomato puree, stock and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.

    Four shot collage of the beef, tomato puree and stock added to the pan, then all mixed.

    Five: Cover and put in the oven for 2 hours. Remove the lid and cook for a further hour.

    A lid placed on the pan, then taken off showing the cooked meat and vegetables.

    Six: Add the sliced potatoes to a pan of boiling water. Simmer for 6 minutes.

    Sliced potatoes in a stainless steel saucepan.

    Seven: Once cooked, transfer the beef and vegetables to a large baking dish. Layer the potatoes on top in an overlapping pattern.

    The beef mixture in a large baking dish, then covered in sliced potatoes.

    Eight: Mix together the cheese and the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the potatoes. Put back in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the topping has browned.

    Two shot collage of cheese and breadcrumbs on top of the pie, before and after cooking.

    Serving suggestions

    This Cumberland pie has pretty much got everything in it. It's got protein, it's got vegetables and it's loaded with carbs on top. However, we always try to serve plenty of extra vegetables on the side to make it a more nutritious balanced meal.

    If it is greens you are looking for, then try some Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli, Garlic Green Beans, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Broccoli or Slow Cooker Brussel Sprouts.

    If it's something a little different you want as a side, then try our Roasted Butternut Squash, Air Fryer Carrots, Broccoli Cheese, Slow Cooker Red Cabbage or Easy Cauliflower Cheese.

    Cooked beef and vegetables in a dark gravy.

    Storage

    Store: Once it is fully cooled, you can store it in air tight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

    Freeze: This freezes really well making it a great batch cook meal. We portion it out into freezer containers and it will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

    Defrost: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

    Reheat: Make sure it has fully defrosted and then you can either heat it through in the microwave for a couple of minutes or put it in the oven for 15 minutes.

    Cumberland pie in front of a plate of broccoli.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make Cumberland pie in advance?

    Yes, you can make this in advance. Just follow all the steps until the last step and then cover it and put it in the fridge until you are ready to cook it. You might need to put it in the oven a little longer if it has come cold from the oven.

    Can I make Cumberland pie in the slow cooker?

    You could certainly cook the beef mixture in the slow cooker. Still brown the beef and vegetables and then put them in the slow cooker with the rest of the stew ingredients for 8 hours on low. Then follow the rest of the recipe in the oven, as the potatoes really need to go in the oven to get nice and crispy.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • This recipe does have a LONG cooking time. That is how you get the results, by cooking low and slow. In a world of rising energy costs, I know that can be a little off putting to some people. So, we recommend using this recipe as an opportunity to batch cook some cookies and muffins whilst the oven is already on.
    • You could swap the potato topping for mashed potato if you prefer. You could add some cauliflower in to the mashed potato for some hidden vegetables.
    • To make this gluten free, make sure you use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs.

    More beef recipes

    • Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
    • 10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef
    • Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
    • The BEST Slow Cooker Beef Casserole

    If you’ve tried this Cumberland pie recipe, or any other recipe on the blog, then let us know how you got on in the comments below - we love hearing from you!
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - we love sharing photos when people make our recipes. You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Cumberland pie with a portion removed.

    Cumberland Pie

    Cumberland pie is such a comforting dish, it will soon become a family favourite. Melt in the mouth beef in rich gravy, topped with potato and cheese.
    5 from 12 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: British
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
    Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
    Allergen:
    An illustration of a bunch of celery.
    Celery
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    An illustration of a fish.
    Fish
    An illustration of two ears of wheat.
    Gluten
    An illustration of a cow's head.
    Meat
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 548kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 700 g beef chunks
    • 3 tablespoon flour
    • sea salt and black pepper
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil (for the beef)
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil (for the veg)
    • 4 shallots diced
    • 1 rib celery diced
    • 1 leek thinly sliced
    • 2 carrots peeled and diced
    • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
    • 600 ml beef stock
    • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 600 g potato cut into 0.5cm rounds
    • 70 g breadcrumbs
    • 150 g cheddar cheese grated

    Instructions

    • Toss the beef chunks in the flour, salt and pepper.
      700 g beef chunks, sea salt and black pepper, 3 tablespoon flour
    • Using a large, oven proof pan, heat the oil for the beef and add the coated beef chunks. Brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside.
      3 tablespoon olive oil
    • Heat the remaining oil and add the shallots, celery, leek and carrots. Cook on low until softened, about 6 minutes.
      2 tablespoon olive oil, 4 shallots, 1 rib celery, 1 leek, 2 carrots
    • Add the beef back into the pan, along with the tomato puree, stock and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
      1 tablespoon tomato puree, 600 ml beef stock, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • Cover and put in the oven for 2 hours. Remove the lid and cook for a further hour.
    • Add the sliced potatoes to a pan of boiling water. Simmer for 6 minutes.
      600 g potato
    • Once cooked, transfer the beef and vegetables to a large baking dish. Layer the potatoes on top in an overlapping pattern.
    • Mix together the cheese and the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the potatoes. Put back in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the topping has browned.
      70 g breadcrumbs, 150 g cheddar cheese

    Notes

    • This recipe does have a LONG cooking time. That is how you get the results, by cooking low and slow. In a world of rising energy costs, I know that can be a little off putting to some people. So, we recommend using this recipe as an opportunity to batch cook some cookies and muffins whilst the oven is already on.
    • You could swap the potato topping for mashed potato if you prefer. You could add some cauliflower in to the mashed potato for some hidden vegetables.
    • To make this gluten free, make sure you use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 607mg | Potassium: 1210mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 549IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 5mg
    Have you tried this recipe?Mention @hungryhealthyhappy on Instagram and tag #hungryhealthyhappy!
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diana Reis

      June 16, 2022 at 12:19 am

      5 stars
      This is so delicious. I love the tender chunks of beef and the sliced potato topping.

      Reply
    2. Carrie Robinson

      June 15, 2022 at 11:11 pm

      5 stars
      This is definitely my kind of comfort food! :) I need to add this to my weekly dinner plan asap.

      Reply
    3. Heather

      June 15, 2022 at 10:02 pm

      5 stars
      Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my keyboard! This looks insane...I'm 4 months pregnant and this is speaking my love language. Pinning to make later :)

      Reply
    4. Anita

      June 15, 2022 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      It looks so delicious and so comforting. I love a good cottage pie, so this Cumberland pie is definitely going to be a new favorite.

      Reply
    5. Amy

      June 15, 2022 at 8:44 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This is comfort in a dish! Will be on repeat this fall!

      Reply
    6. Jess

      June 15, 2022 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      Total comfort food right here!

      Reply
    7. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      June 15, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      It looks so delicious and easy! This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!

      Reply
    8. Claudia Lamascolo

      June 15, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      I am a huge beef and gravy fan! This is perfect cant wait to make it this weekend

      Reply
    9. Nic

      June 15, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious with it's warm beef and potatoes and cheesiness. We had a cold front move in and this was calling my name! It's delicious and I believe it will be calling my name again in the future!

      Reply
    10. Dana

      June 15, 2022 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      This is so incredibly cozy! So much stick-to-your-rib goodness here.

      Reply

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    Welcome! My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist, along with travel, home and family life and general happiness.
    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food and lifestyle blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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