Cottage pie
Savor the comfort of a homemade Cottage Pie with this hearty recipe. Packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, onion, and zucchini, and loaded with rich ground beef, this dish is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines a flavorful beef sauce thickened with flour and tomato sauce, nestled under a golden, cheesy potato crust. Whip up this timeless classic with ease using our step-by-step instructions.
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
2 carrots1 stalk celery
1 onion
1 large zucchini
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp olive oil
14 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1.50 cups beef broth
1/3 cup tomato sauce
5 potatoes
1/3 cup milk (1% fat)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Cottage pie is a classic comfort food dish that combines savory ground beef with a medley of vegetables, all topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes and cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients to create a wholesome meal everyone will love.
Instructions:
- Dice the carrots, celery, and zucchini into small, uniform pieces.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flour to cook off.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer while you prepare the mashed potato topping.
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Stir in the milk and half of the grated parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the beef and vegetable filling into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them out so they cover the entire top evenly. Use a fork to create texture or peaks on the mashed potatoes to help them brown.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated parmesan cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up around the edges.
- Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly and make it easier to serve.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade cottage pie!
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can mix in some Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine while cooking the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef.
- For a crispier top, broil the pie for the last few minutes of cooking until the cheese turns golden brown.
- Make sure to drain the potatoes well before mashing to avoid a watery topping.
- You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance to save time and simply assemble and bake the pie when ready.
Cottage pie is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. By following these steps, you will create a delicious meal that showcases the hearty flavors of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy your homemade cottage pie with your loved ones!
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 610kcal
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 60g
Fiber 9g
Sugar 10g
Fat 30g
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