Cottage pie and Cumberland pie are both classic British comfort foods that are very similar. However, there are some key differences between the two pies in terms of ingredients, origins, and preparation methods.
Quick Answer: The Main Differences
Here is a quick overview of the main differences between cottage pie and Cumberland pie:
- Cottage pie is made with beef mince while Cumberland pie is made with lamb mince.
- Cottage pie uses just onions and herbs in the mince filling while Cumberland pie includes carrots, peas, and other vegetables.
- Cottage pie has a crust made of mashed potatoes while Cumberland pie has a biscuit dough crust.
- Cottage pie likely originated in England in the 18th century while Cumberland pie was created in Cumbria, England in the 19th century.
Ingredients
The key ingredient that distinguishes cottage pie from Cumberland pie is the type of meat used. Traditional cottage pie is made with ground beef while Cumberland pie is made with ground or minced lamb.
In addition to the different meats, the other filling ingredients also vary slightly between the two pies:
Cottage Pie Filling
- Ground beef
- Onions
- Garlic
- Flour
- Beef broth or stock
- Herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley
- Butter or oil
- Salt and pepper
Cumberland Pie Filling
- Ground lamb
- Onions
- Carrots
- Peas
- Beef broth or stock
- Flour
- Herbs like thyme, rosemary
- Butter or oil
- Salt and pepper
The Cumberland pie filling has a wider variety of vegetables compared to the more basic cottage pie filling. The lamb mince adds more texture and a richer flavor as well.
Crust
The crust is the other major difference between the two pies. Traditional cottage pie has a crust made of mashed potatoes. Cumberland pie instead has a flaky biscuit crust, similar to a beef pot pie.
Cottage Pie Crust
- Mashed potatoes
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: cheese like cheddar or parmesan
Cumberland Pie Crust
- Flour
- Butter
- Baking powder
- Milk or buttermilk
The cottage pie’s potato crust provides a rustic, homey texture and pairs well with the simple beef filling. The Cumberland pie’s pastry crust provides a contrasting flaky, buttery texture and its shape makes it easier to slice like a pie.
Origins
Cottage pie and Cumberland pie also have distinct geographical origins in England:
- Cottage pie – Cottage pie likely originated in England in the 18th century. The name refers to its peasant origins, as it was an economical way for country folk to use up leftover roast beef.
- Cumberland pie – Cumberland pie was created in Cumbria, England in the 19th century. It was likely inspired by cottage pie but uses local lamb instead of beef.
So while cottage pie has older roots as a rustic farmhouse dish, Cumberland pie was created more recently and tailored to the lamb-centric cuisine of Cumbria.
Preparation Methods
Despite the ingredient and crust differences, the overall preparation method for cottage pie and Cumberland pie is similar:
- Cook the ground meat and onions until browned.
- Add herbs and vegetables to meat mixture. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir. Pour in stock and bring to a simmer.
- Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish. Allow to cool slightly.
- For cottage pie – top with mashed potato crust. For Cumberland pie – top with biscuit dough crust.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until crust is browned and filling is bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
The methods are very similar, the main differences are in the crust preparation and the extra vegetables used in the Cumberland pie filling.
Taste and Texture
The different types of meat and crusts give cottage pie and Cumberland pie unique textures and flavors:
| Pie Type | Filling Texture | Filling Flavor | Crust Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Pie | Coarsely ground beef | Savory, simple | Smooth, creamy mashed potato |
| Cumberland Pie | Finely ground lamb | Rich, meaty | Flaky, layered pastry |
Cottage pie has a chunkier beef texture while Cumberland pie is smoother with a more pronounced lamb flavor. The potato crust contrasts with the pastry crust.
Variations
There are some common variations on traditional cottage pie and Cumberland pie recipes:
Cottage Pie Variations
- Chicken cottage pie – Uses cooked chicken instead of beef mince.
- Vegetarian cottage pie – Substitutes lentils, mushrooms or other vegetables for the beef.
- Cheesy potato crust – Mixes cheddar, parmesan or other cheese into the mashed potato topping.
Cumberland Pie Variations
- Beef Cumberland pie – Uses ground beef instead of lamb.
- Chunky vegetables – Adds diced carrots, turnips, celery or other veggies.
- Cheesy biscuit crust – Adds cheddar, parmesan or blue cheese to the dough.
There are many possibilities for customizing each pie with different fillings. Just stay true to the defining crust of each style.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tips for serving cottage pie and Cumberland pie:
- Allow the pies to rest for 10 minutes after baking so the filling sets.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm – the fillings taste best hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, chives or thyme.
- Serve with vegetables like peas, green beans or sautéed greens.
- Pair with mashed or roasted potatoes to complement the crust.
- Serve with British beers like pale ale, IPA or stout.
Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for 3-4 days. The pies reheat well in a 375°F oven until warmed through.
Nutrition
Cottage pie and Cumberland pie are rich, hearty dishes. A 1 cup serving provides:
| Pie Type | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Pie | 330 | 25g | 26g | 16g |
| Cumberland Pie | 370 | 22g | 29g | 21g |
They provide a substantial amount of protein and nutrients. Pair with a green salad or vegetable side for a balanced meal.
Cost
Cottage pie is typically the more budget-friendly option due to the use of beef mince. Expect costs for a 6-8 portion pie:
- Cottage pie – $10 – $15
- Cumberland pie – $15 – $20
The exact costs vary based on the quality of meat and ingredients. Making the pies at home saves significantly compared to purchasing pre-made pies from restaurants or stores.
Popularity
Both pies are beloved British comfort foods with long histories. However, cottage pie is generally more widely known and served, especially outside of Cumbria. A few popularity indicators:
- Cottage pie recipes outnumber Cumberland pie by 3 to 1 on websites like BBC Good Food and Allrecipes.
- Cottage pie appears on more pub menus than Cumberland pie in the UK.
- Marks & Spencer sells pre-made cottage pies but not Cumberland pies at UK grocery stores.
However, Cumberland pie is still very well known in northern England and is gaining more widespread popularity as people discover the delights of the flaky lamb pie.
Conclusion
In summary, cottage pie and Cumberland pie share origins as British meat pies, but have a few key differences:
- Cottage pie uses ground beef while Cumberland pie uses ground lamb.
- Cottage pie has a simple potato crust and Cumberland pie has a biscuit dough crust.
- Cottage pie likely originated first as an economical dish while Cumberland pie was created later as a local variation.
The names can often be used interchangeably in casual conversation. But traditionally, a cottage pie will always have a mashed potato topping and beef filling, while a Cumberland pie will have a biscuit crust and lamb filling. Both are savory, comforting dishes that make a satisfying meal any night of the week.