Cottage Pie Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Cottage Pie is a traditional British dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Cottage Pie.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or lamb if making Shepherd’s Pie)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or stock)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 cup milk (or cream)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Optional – Add Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in the grated cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with the tomato paste.
4. Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. If you’d like the filling thicker, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add Peas (and Corn if using): Stir in the peas (and corn, if you’re adding it). Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the pan from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Cottage Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Layer the Meat and Potatoes: Spoon the meat filling into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
3. Optional – Add More Cheese: If you want a cheesy crust, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
4. Create Texture: Use a fork to create ridges or patterns on the surface of the mashed potatoes. This helps create a crispy, golden top when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Cottage Pie

1. Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
2. Broil for Extra Crispness: For an extra crispy top, you can broil the pie for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let it Rest: Allow the Cottage Pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
2. Serve: Serve warm, either on its own or with a side of green vegetables or a simple salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the Cottage Pie ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from chilled.
• Freezing: Cottage Pie freezes well. Once assembled, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
• Meat Variations: For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and pork, or use lamb for an authentic Shepherd’s Pie.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with lentils or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Herbs and Spices: Add rosemary or parsley to the filling for an extra depth of flavor.

Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich, flavorful beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping. It’s a dish that never fails to bring warmth to the table!