Description
Discover the warm, rich flavors of traditional British cuisine with this easy cottage pie recipe. A hearty dish made with savory minced beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, this recipe is perfect for cozy family meals or for impressing guests. Simple enough for beginners and rewarding for seasoned cooks, cottage pie brings a touch of British comfort food to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (or sweet potatoes for a twist)
- 50g butter (substitute with olive oil or margarine for dairy-free)
- 500g minced beef (can replace with ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option)
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100ml beef stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian version)
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use soy sauce for a vegetarian alternative)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50g grated cheddar cheese (optional, can replace with vegan cheese)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Filling:
- In a large frying pan, cook the chopped onion over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and beef stock. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Cottage Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-assisted).
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 20x30cm baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them to cover the filling completely. For added texture, use a fork to create ridges on the surface.
- Optional: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Enjoy with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For a golden, crispy top, broil the pie for the last 3-5 minutes.
- Add a splash of red wine to the beef mixture for added depth.
- To make ahead, prepare the pie and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g