Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie is a traditional comfort food dish, rich in flavor with a delightful mix of buttery mashed potatoes and savory ground meat, perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 lb 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb Can substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 medium 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 pieces 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
For the potato topping
- 2 lbs 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup ½ cup (120ml) milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Cooking the Beef Filling
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and diced carrots, cooking them until the onions are translucent and the carrots are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Once the meat is browned, incorporate the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Lastly, mix in the frozen peas and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat.
Mashing the Potatoes
- When the potatoes are ready, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, layer the beef filling evenly at the bottom. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, using a fork to create texture on the surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Serving
- Once out of the oven, let the Cottage Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or crusty bread!
Notes
Choice of Meat: Use a mix of ground beef and lamb for a richer flavor. For an extra creamy mash, consider using a potato ricer. Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or parsley to enhance flavor. Prepare filling a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready.