Cottage Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
The cottage pie, a hearty and flavorful dish, is a true comfort food classic. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying cottage pie that's sure to become a family favorite. We'll focus on simple techniques and readily available ingredients, making this recipe perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a great base, feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs and preferences.
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for a traditional twist!)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 50g butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's break down the recipe into manageable steps for an easy cooking experience.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Making the Potato Topping:
- Boil the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth.
- Add the Milk and Butter: Stir in the milk or cream and butter until creamy and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking the Cottage Pie:
- Transfer the Filling: Pour the meat filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use lamb mince instead of beef.
- Add other vegetables: Mushrooms, sweetcorn, or green beans are all great additions.
- Make it ahead: The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some grated cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious cottage pie hot, perhaps with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad. This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Enjoy your homemade Cottage Pie! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy cooking!
