Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C, 350°F, Gas 4.
- In a large pan sear the minced beef and break it up into tiny pieces over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.800 grams Beef Steak Mince
- Chop the onion and garlic. We use a mini chopper.2 Red Onions, 4 Garlic Cloves
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the beef stock, wine, tomato puree, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.3 Bay Leaves, 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, 350 ml Beef Stock, 2 tsp Dried Thyme, 3 tbsp Tomato Puree, 150 ml Red Wine, Salt and Pepper
Potatoes
- While the meat mixture is simmering, peel and chop the potatoes into roughly 2-inch squares. Alternatively, if you're using frozen mashed potatoes, empty them into a bowl and microwave on high for 5–6 minutes. Mix thoroughly once defrosted.1 kg Russet Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot if you use a colander.
- Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.50 grams Butter, 50 grams Full-Fat Milk
Assembling
- Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, ensuring it covers the entire surface. You can use a fork to create a pattern on the mashed potatoes.
- If desired, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.100 grams Grated Cheese
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Here are some top tips to help you succeed in making Cottage Pie like a pro:
- Opt for quality minced beef with a decent fat content (around 20% fat) for a flavorful and juicy filling.
- When cooking the minced beef, brown it well. This adds flavor and develops a nice crust, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- To prevent the filling from being too watery, you can add a tablespoon or two of flour to the cooked meat and vegetables before adding the liquids. Alternatively, cook without a lid to help thicken the gravy as it cooks.
- For a golden and crispy crust on top of your cottage pie, use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potatoes before baking.
- Though cheese is an optional extra, it will add an indulgent extra flavor and texture.
- Allow the cottage pie to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and cheese.
- Meat Filling: Add some peas, chopped celery, and parboiled chopped carrots after searing the meat.
- Vegan or Vegetarian: You can make a vegetarian version of cottage pie by replacing the minced beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP). Just make sure to adjust the seasonings and cooking times accordingly.
- Cheesey Potato: Add a handful of grated cheese to the mashed potato for a more indulgent twist. Stir well before topping the beef.
