Cottage pie

Enjoy a classic Cottage Pie with this hearty and comforting recipe. Featuring creamy mashed potatoes over a savory mix of ground beef, onions, carrots, and celery, all simmered in a rich beef broth and tomato puree base. Perfect for a delicious family dinner.

  • 13 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 30 min
  • Prep time 30 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 11 Ingredients

Cottage pie

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.

Ingredients:

5 potatoes
1000g
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
120g
2 tbsp butter
30g
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
510g
1 onion
110g
2 carrots
120g
1 stalk celery
130g
2 garlic cloves
6g
2 tbsp tomato puree
30g
1 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
16g
2 cups beef broth
500g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- 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.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
- 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.
3. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- 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.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
- 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.
5. Add Flavor and Thicken:
- 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.
6. Add the Broth:
- 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.
7. Assemble the Cottage Pie:
- 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.
8. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve:
- Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and delicious cottage pie!

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.

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.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size640 grams
Energy
Calories 640kcal32%
Protein
Protein 30g21%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 54g16%
Fiber 7g20%
Sugar 7g7%
Fat
Fat 33g38%
Saturated 14g45%
Cholesterol 110mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 340ug38%
Choline 120mg22%
Vitamin B1 0.33mg28%
Vitamin B2 0.39mg30%
Vitamin B3 10mg60%
Vitamin B6 1.32mg77%
Vitamin B9 77ug19%
Vitamin B12 3.00ug125%
Vitamin C 54mg61%
Vitamin E 0.69mg5%
Vitamin K 22ug18%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 130mg10%
Copper, Cu 0.42mg47%
Iron, Fe 5mg47%
Magnesium, Mg 100mg23%
Phosphorus, P 430mg34%
Potassium, K 1800mg53%
Selenium, Se 22ug41%
Sodium, Na 630mg42%
Zinc, Zn 6mg59%
Water
Water 520g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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