Cottage pie
Cottage pie is a comforting dish featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners, it combines simple ingredients for a hearty meal.
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
5 potatoes1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
2 tbsp butter
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 onion
2 carrots
1 stalk celery
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
2 cups beef broth
Cottage pie, a hearty and comforting dish, hails from the United Kingdom and has become a beloved meal in many households around the world. With a savory ground beef filling and a creamy mashed potato topping, this dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner. The following recipe will guide you through making a delicious cottage pie from scratch, using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the milk and butter to the hot potatoes.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- While the potatoes are cooking, peel and dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavor.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour the beef broth into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading them out to cover completely. Use a fork to create small peaks or a design in the mashed potatoes if desired.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and delicious cottage pie!
By following these steps, you'll have a delicious, homemade cottage pie that showcases the perfect balance of savory beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends, and don't forget to serve it with a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Cottage pie FAQ:
A 9x13-inch baking dish is ideal for this cottage pie recipe, as it provides enough space for the meat filling and mashed potato topping.
Bake the cottage pie at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, lamb, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
Store leftover cottage pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
The potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, typically after about 15-20 minutes of boiling.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are spread evenly over the beef filling to get the perfect crust when baked.
- If you prefer a smoother potato topping, use a potato ricer to mash the potatoes.
- You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day you plan to bake the pie.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the beef mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 640kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 54g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 7g
Fat 33g
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