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–+ servings
Merry

Classic Cottage Pie with Beef

Dive into the comforting goodness of a classic Cottage Pie! This dish features a savory beef filling loaded with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: British
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling:
  • 1 kg minced beef
  • 1 brown onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
  • 1 kg potatoes
  • 125 ml milk
  • 25 g butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

Preheat and Prepare:
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan). Gather and prep all ingredients.
Cook the Beef Filling:
  1. Heat a frying pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Brown the minced beef in batches, then transfer to another container.
  3. In the same pan, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the flour and cook thoroughly to remove any raw taste.
  5. Gradually add water, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
  6. Mix in the tomato paste and bay leaves, then cook for 2 more minutes.
  7. Add the frozen peas, diced carrots, and Worcestershire sauce. Return the browned beef to the pan and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
  1. Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil in a pot of salted water for 7 minutes.
  2. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
  3. Drain the water and mash the potatoes. Stir in butter, milk, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Pie:
  1. Transfer the cooked beef filling to an ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly.
  2. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef and spread it smoothly. Use a fork to create decorative ridges if desired.
Bake:
  1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy.
Serve:
  1. Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For added flavor, sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potato topping before baking.
  • Cottage Pie tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.

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