The Ultimate Cottage Pie Recipe

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal? Our cottage pie recipe is the perfect solution. This classic dish features a rich, savory minced beef filling topped with a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes. It's easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

This cottage pie recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, providing warmth and satisfaction on a chilly evening. Follow our simple instructions to create a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love. It's the perfect balance of savory and starchy goodness!

Keywords

• Cottage pie recipe
• Cottage pie
• Shepherd's pie
• Minced beef
• Mashed potatoes
• Comfort food
• Easy recipe
• Family meal
• Classic dish
• Dinner recipe

Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Filling:
  • 500g minced beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 500ml beef stock
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Mashed Potato Topping:
  • 1kg potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 100ml milk
  • 50g butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the minced beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute more.
4. Pour in the beef stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, until the sauce has thickened and the meat is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before proceeding.
5. Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping: While the meat is simmering, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Gradually add the milk and butter, mixing until creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Assemble the Cottage Pie: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
8. Pour the meat filling into an oven-safe dish.
9. Spoon the mashed potato evenly over the meat filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface. You can create a decorative pattern with a fork, if desired.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. Let the cottage pie stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade cottage pie recipe!

Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to make your cottage pie recipe even better:

• Add a splash of red wine to the meat filling for extra flavor.
• Use sweet potatoes in your mash for a sweeter taste.
• Top with grated cheese for a crispy, cheesy finish.
• Include peas or corn in your meat mixture for added vegetables.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the minced beef with lentils or a vegetarian mince alternative.

Enjoy Your Cottage Pie!

We hope you enjoyed this cottage pie recipe! It's a classic dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. Don't forget to share your creations with us and let us know how it turned out!