Cozy Comfort in a Dish: Delightful Cottage Pie
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, look no further! This Cottage Pie combines rich, flavorful minced beef with a creamy mashed potato topping, making it the perfect family-friendly dinner option. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s no wonder this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Delightful Cottage Pie
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
A hearty Cottage Pie with rich minced beef and creamy mashed potato topping, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 zucchini, grated
- 1 kg minced beef
- ⅓ cup plain flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1.2 kg potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 40 g unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk, slightly warmed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Toss in the celery, carrots, and zucchini, cooking until all the vegetables are tender. Then, add the minced beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned.
- Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute. Add the tomato paste, beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and thicken for about 30 minutes.
- While the filling simmers, boil the quartered potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with butter, warm milk, and salt until creamy. Fold in the grated parmesan.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Remove the bay leaves from the beef mixture and pour it into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potato on top and create peaks. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Notes
For a creamier topping, use a potato ricer. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why You’ll Love Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, packing in plenty of deliciousness while being surprisingly easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables for the kids or anyone looking to eat healthier. Plus, it’s a dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table – who can resist a warm, flavorful slice topped with fluffy potatoes?
Crafting the Perfect Cottage Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced (or grated)
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 zucchini (courgettes), grated
- 1 kg (2 lb) minced (ground) beef
- ⅓ cup (50 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
- 3 cups (750 ml) beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz) potatoes (all-rounder), peeled and quartered
- 40 g (1½ oz) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (9 fl oz) milk, slightly warmed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan
Directions:
Prepare the Filling: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Toss in the celery, carrots, and zucchini, cooking until all the vegetables are tender. Then, add the minced beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned.
Make it Rich: Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the tomato paste, beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop flavor for about 30 minutes.
The Potato Topping: While the filling simmers, boil the quartered potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well. In a mixing bowl, mash the potatoes with butter, warm milk, and salt until creamy. Fold in the grated parmesan for a twist of flavor.
Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Remove the bay leaves from the beef mixture and pour it into a baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potato on top, using a fork to create peaks for extra crispiness. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Serving Suggestions for Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie shines on its own but can be beautifully paired with a fresh side salad or steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal. A dollop of tangy yogurt or gravy can elevate the dish even further. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this comforting plate straight from the oven.
Storing Your Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the Cottage Pie cool before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic meal prep option!
Helpful Tips for Making Cottage Pie
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or corn to suit your family’s tastes.
- Mashed Potato Perfection: For creamier mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill.
- Meat Alternatives: For a healthier twist, try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version.
A Few Cottage Pie Variations
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding some cheese into the mashed potato for an extra creamy topping or top it off with breadcrumbs for added crunch. You can even try adding different herbs or spices to the meat filling for unique flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cottage Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance; just store it in the fridge before baking. Let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes make a delicious and nutritious topping! Just peel and cook them in the same way.
Is Cottage Pie gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your beef stock is gluten-free.
This Cottage Pie is a tested and trusted recipe that will surely bring joy to your dinner table, filled with wholesome ingredients and an abundance of flavor! Enjoy the process and the warm memories made around the table.