Cottage pie is a timeless classic that has been a comforting staple in kitchens around the world for generations. Its humble origins can be traced back to Britain in the late 18th century, where it was traditionally made with leftover meat, mixed with vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked to golden perfection.

This hearty dish was not only delicious, but also an economical way to make use of ingredients that might otherwise go to waste.

The beauty of cottage pie lies in its simplicity and versatility. Despite its rustic beginnings, it has stood the test of time and evolved to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences. From the traditional beef and potato combination to vegetarian or vegan variations, cottage pie has something to offer everyone.

Although cottage pie may seem intimidating to some, it is actually quite easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a wholesome and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, cottage pie is a recipe that anyone can master with a little practice.

So, if you are looking to warm your soul with a hearty and delicious meal, look no further than cottage pie. Its rich and savory flavors, combined with its comforting simplicity, make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the beef mixture while simmering.

Ingredients

Beef Mince: Ground beef that is the main protein in this hearty dish. It adds a savory and meaty flavor to the cottage pie.

Olive Oil: Used for cooking the vegetables and beef mince, olive oil adds a rich and subtle fruity flavor to the dish.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the cottage pie. When cooked, onions become caramelized and bring depth to the dish.

Carrots: Provide a natural sweetness and a pop of color to the cottage pie. They add a bit of texture and flavor contrast to the dish.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. Garlic enhances the overall taste of the cottage pie.

Tomato Puree: Thick and rich, tomato puree adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the cottage pie. It also helps to thicken the sauce.

Beef Stock: Adds a rich and savory flavor base to the cottage pie. It enhances the meaty taste of the beef mince.

Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy and umami flavor to the dish. It adds complexity and depth to the cottage pie.

Thyme Dried: A fragrant herb that adds a woodsy and slightly floral flavor to the dish. Thyme complements the beef mince and enhances the overall taste.

Rosemary Dried: Another aromatic herb that adds a piney and earthy flavor to the cottage pie. Rosemary pairs well with beef and brings a unique taste to the dish.

Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and a subtle spiciness to the dish. Black pepper also enhances the other flavors in the cottage pie.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavors in the dish and helps to balance the sweetness of the vegetables and tomato puree.

Potatoes: Boiled and mashed to create a creamy and fluffy topping for the cottage pie. Potatoes add a comforting and hearty element to the dish.

Milk: Used to make the mashed potato topping creamy and smooth. Milk adds a rich and dairy flavor to the dish.

Butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the mashed potatoes. Butter also contributes a deliciously buttery flavor to the cottage pie.

Expert Tip: Make sure to use lean beef mince for a healthier cottage pie with less fat content.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Cottage Pie with a side of steamed vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or peas to add color and nutrition to the meal.
• Top the Cottage Pie with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of flavor and color.
• Pair the Cottage Pie with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
• For a complete meal, serve the Cottage Pie alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping the mashed potatoes, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to add depth to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cottage Pie?

Cottage Pie is a comforting and delicious dish made with ground meat (usually beef), vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

What ingredients do I need to make Cottage Pie?

To make Cottage Pie, you will need ground beef, onion, garlic, carrots, peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and mashed potatoes.

Can I make Cottage Pie ahead of time?

Yes, Cottage Pie is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you are ready to enjoy it.

Can I freeze Cottage Pie?

Yes, Cottage Pie can be frozen before or after baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

How do I reheat Cottage Pie?

To reheat Cottage Pie, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I customize Cottage Pie with other ingredients?

Yes, feel free to customize Cottage Pie with your favorite ingredients such as mushrooms, corn, or different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Meat & Potato Pie
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Pumpkin Pie
• Pecan Pie
• Shepherd’s Pie

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Cottage Pie

by Nabeela Kauser

Discover the mouth-watering cottage pie recipe, a classic comfort food with a rich history and origin. Learn how to make this easy, delectable dish perfect for any mealtime.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine British, Western

Servings 6

Calories 588 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Beef Mixture

• ▢ 800 g Beef Mince
• ▢ 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• ▢ 1 large Onion Finely chopped
• ▢ 2 Carrots Peeled, finely diced
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
• ▢ 250 ml Beef Stock
• ▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• ▢ 1 tsp Thyme Dried
• ▢ 1 tsp Rosemary Dried
• ▢ Black Pepper To taste
• ▢ Salt To taste

Mashed Potatoes

• ▢ 1 kg Potatoes Peeled and cut into chunks
• ▢ 100 ml Milk
• ▢ 50 grams Butter

Extras

• ▢ Cheese Grated, optional

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break it up.
• Stir in tomato paste, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavours to blend. Remove from heat.
• In a separate pot, boil peeled and chunked potatoes in salted water until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Add milk and butter to the pot with the potatoes. Mash them until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potatoes.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
• Allow the cottage pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve the cottage pie hot and enjoy!

Notes

Cottage pie is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with vegetables.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

This recipe can be easily adjusted by doubling or halving the ingredients according to your needs.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 588kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 28gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 297mgPotassium: 1322mgFibre: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3683IUVitamin C: 38mgVitamin D: 0.3µgCalcium: 90mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Beef, Comfort Food, Dinner, Food, Keema, Meat, Minced Meat, Pie, Recipe

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