Cottage pie is a classic British comfort food made with minced beef and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. I doubt any British person would not love an old-fashioned traditional pie.
When I first came to this country in 2000, I worked for a few months in a nursing home. The elderly residents always cheered and excitedly rubbed their hands whenever I mentioned cottage pie on the menu. Out of curiosity, I asked the chef, Pat, in the kitchen for her recipe, and I have been using it ever since.
I’m pretty sure you’ll love this recipe too! It’s easy to make, rich, comforting, and a true crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Here it is,
Simple and Hearty Cottage Pie
Ingredients:
For the filling 🥧
•1 tbsp olive oil
•1 onion, finely chopped
•2 carrots, diced
•2 garlic cloves, minced
•1000g minced beef (this is meaty; adjust if preferred less meat)
•2 tbsp tomato purée
•1-2 tbsp plain flour
• 500ml (1 ¼ cups) beef stock
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or a sprig of fresh thyme)
•1 bay leaf
•1.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to preference) and pepper to taste
•Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or sweetcorn, or baked beans.
•Grated cheese.
For the mashed potato topping:
•1.5 potatoes, peeled and chopped
•50g (3 ½ tbsp) butter
•100ml (½ cup) milk
•Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: 🥧
Prepare the Filling 🥧
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the onion and carrots.
Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mix well.
Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. If desired, add frozen peas or sweetcorn in the last 5 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes 🥧
While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Drain well and return to the pot.
Add butter, milk, salt and pepper.
Mix until creamy.
Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Pie 🥧
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (fan)/Gas Mark 6.
Transfer the beef filling into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with the mashed potatoes, starting from the edges to seal in the filling.
Use a fork to create a textured surface, which helps it brown beautifully.
Bake 🥧
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve 🥧
Let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cottage Pie is savory, rich, and hearty, with a meaty filling and creamy, buttery mashed potato topping.
Serve warm with steamed vegetables like buttered peas or simple baked beans, topped with grated cheese.
The comforting warmth of the dish feels like home, making each bite satisfying and hearty.
Have a lovely day, everyone.
Mariah 😊💗