Cottage pie is a beloved classic, known for its hearty filling of ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prepping. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make this delicious dish, complete with ingredients, cooking instructions, tips, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
For the Filling
– **450 g (1 lb)** minced beef
– **1 large onion**, finely chopped
– **1 stick celery**, finely chopped
– **1 carrot**, peeled and finely chopped
– **1 tbsp** vegetable oil
– **600 ml (2 1/2 cups)** beef stock
– **1 tbsp** Worcestershire sauce
– **1 tsp** salt
– **1 tsp** black pepper
– **60 g (4 tbsp)** unsalted butter (for the mash)
– **60 ml (1/4 cup)** double (heavy) cream (for the mash)
– **1 heaped tbsp** cornflour/cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Mashed Potato Topping
– **900 g (2 lbs)** floury potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks
– **60 ml (1/4 cup)** milk (optional for creaminess)
Optional Add-ins
– **100 g** frozen peas
– Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
1. While the potatoes are boiling, heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, celery, and carrot; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Mix cornflour with three tablespoons of cold water and stir into the beef mixture to thicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Cottage Pie
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish.
3. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly and creating peaks with a fork for extra crispiness.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 4: Serve
Serve hot with gravy and your choice of vegetables.
Cooking Time
– **Preparation Time:** 20 minutes
– **Cooking Time:** 45 minutes
– **Total Time:** Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Assuming this recipe serves 6:
– **Calories:** Approximately 450 kcal
– **Protein:** 25 g
– **Carbohydrates:** 50 g
– **Fat:** 15 g
– **Fiber:** 3 g
*Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.*
Side Tips & Notes
– For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when cooking the meat mixture.
– You can prepare this dish ahead of time up to the baking step; just cover and refrigerate or freeze.
– If freezing, ensure it’s fully defrosted before reheating to maintain texture.
Cottage pie is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and nostalgia. For more delicious recipes like this one, be sure to check out our eBook filled with mouth-watering dishes! Plus, don’t miss out on pre-ordering our upcoming cookbook “Deliciously Fit,” which features healthy meal options perfect for weight loss without sacrificing flavor!
