Cottage Pie Recipe: Easy, Comforting, and Delicious
Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this simple cottage pie recipe! This classic dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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 more traditional taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 50g butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps for a perfect cottage pie every time.
Making the Savory 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.
- Add flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Simmer the filling: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the peas: Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Preparing the Creamy Mashed Potato Topping:
- Boil the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash and enrich: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or electric mixer. Stir in the milk or cream and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking the Cottage Pie:
- Transfer the filling: Pour the meat filling into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the filling. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern if desired.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious cottage pie hot, ideally straight from the oven. A simple green salad makes a perfect side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use lamb mince instead of beef.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, green beans, or sweetcorn.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Make it ahead: The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
This easy cottage pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #easycottagepie on social media!
