Cottage Pie is a hearty British dish made with minced beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. It’s a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (minced beef)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (such as Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream, for richer mashed potatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the carrots start to soften.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the frozen peas and stir to combine. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Cottage Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the filling completely. Use the back of a spoon or a fork to smooth the top, or create a decorative pattern.
- (Optional) For a golden top, you can sprinkle a little grated cheese over the mashed potatoes.
4. Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- If desired, you can broil the top for an additional 2-3 minutes to get an even more golden, crispy finish.
5. Serve:
- Let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be served with a side of greens or a simple salad.
