Food Blog

Cottage Pie

Ingredients:

  • 800g minced beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 400g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 250ml beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1kg potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 100ml milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 100g grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  1. Prepare the Filling:

    • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
    • Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
    • Stir in the carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes.
    • Add the canned tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
  2. Prepare the Potato Topping:

    • While the filling is cooking, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
    • Mash the potatoes with the butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Assemble and Bake:

    • Transfer the cooked filling into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
    • Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them out with a fork. You can create a decorative pattern on top if desired.
    • Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes if using.
    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  4. Serve:

    • Allow the Cottage Pie to cool slightly before serving. Serve hot, portioning out onto plates.

Enjoy your homemade British Cottage Pie! It's a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal.