In this article, we will give information about how to make a cottage pie recipe. So read this article till the end to know about easy cottage pie recipe.
Cottage pie is a classic British dish traditionally made with minced meat, vegetables and mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The dish is believed to have originated in the 18th century when it was an economical way to use up leftover meat and vegetables.
To make cottage pie, you start by cooking minced meat with onions, carrots, and other vegetables until it’s browned and tender. You then add some stock, herbs and Worcestershire sauce to make a rich and flavourful gravy. The meat mixture is then topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling.
Cottage pie is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. You can add different vegetables or spices to the filling, or use lamb instead of beef to make shepherd’s pie. It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it can be easily reheated and tastes even better the next day.
What is cottage pie?
Cottage pie is a classic British dish consisting of a savory meat and vegetable filling, topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven. The traditional filling is made with ground beef cooked with onions, carrots, and other vegetables, and cooked with herbs and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, savory gravy. The mashed potatoes on top are usually creamy and buttery, and the filling is spread evenly over them before being baked until the top is golden and crisp.
Cottage pie is often served as a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for cold winter nights or for feeding a crowd. It can be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or eating leftovers. While the traditional recipe calls for beef, cottage pie can also be made with lamb (in which case it is often called “shepherd’s pie”), or with other proteins or vegetarian options for a delicious twist on the classic. Together.
How To Make cottage pie recipe
A proper English cottage pie made with ground beef, carrots, and onions and topped with mashed potatoes. Serve with peas.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1¼kg beef mince
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery sticks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- large glass of red wine (optional)
- 850ml beef stock
- 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- a few thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
For the mash
- 8kg potatoes, chopped
- 225ml milk
- 25g butter
- 200g strong cheddar, grated
- freshly grated nutmeg
Directions
step 1
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan and fry 1¼ kg beef mince until browned – you may need to do this in batches. Keep aside when it turns brown.
step 2
Add another 2 tbsp of olive oil to the pan, add 2 finely chopped onions, 3 chopped carrots and 3 chopped celery sticks and cook on a soft flame for about 20 minutes.
step 3
Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 3 tbsp flour and 1 tbsp tomato puree, increase the heat and cook for a few minutes, then return the beef to the pan.
step 4
Pour over a tall glass of red wine, if using, and simmer it to reduce slightly before adding 850ml beef stock, 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, a few sprigs of thyme and 2 bay leaves.
step 5
Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes. By this time the gravy should have thickened and covered the meat. Check after about 30 minutes – if there is too much liquid left, increase the heat slightly to reduce the gravy a bit. Season well, then remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
step 6
Meanwhile, make the mash. In a large saucepan, cover 1.8 kg of potatoes, which you have peeled and cut into cubes, bring to a boil in salted cold water and boil until tender.
step 7
Drain well, then allow to steam dry for a few minutes. Mash together 225ml milk, 25g butter and three-quarters of 200g strong cheddar cheese, then add freshly grated nutmeg and a little salt and pepper.
step 8
Put the meat in 2 ovenproof dishes. Pipe or spoon over mash to cover. Sprinkle over remaining cheese.
step 9
If you are eating immediately, preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/Gas 7 and bake for 25-30 minutes or till the topping turns golden brown.
step 10
If you want to use a slow cooker, brown your mincemeat in batches, then add to your slow cooker and add the vegetables, flour, puree, wine, stock, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, along with some seasonings. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours. Mash following the previous steps, and then cook in the oven in the same way to finish.
Recipe Notes:
1.The carrots and celery used for this pie make for a really great mirepoix/soffrito flavored base. However, they can be omitted, but instead add 1 tsp sugar.The filling thickens – whatever the thickness of the sauce when you put it in the tin, it will be the same once it’s baked – there’s no steam left when baking to reduce it further. So keep cooking till you get the desired consistency.
2.Chilling the filling ensures that the potato does not sink into the filling and makes it very easy to spread. If you’re in a hurry – as I often am – pop it in the freezer while you make the potatoes. It works great.
3.Watery potato stuffing releases excess liquid while cooking which makes the sauce watery. So don’t skip the step of steam-drying the potatoes!
Also, make sure the mash is hot when spreading on the pie. Cold mash is harder and therefore harder to spread/spread on a pie. Variations: If I’m making this for company or on a calorie-blow-out mission, I add a big handful of cheese to the potatoes and even more cheese before baking. It’s not needed, it’s a bonus.
4.For stuffing, sometimes I add peas, or I reduce the amount of beef and add chopped vegetables like zucchini.Make Ahead Instructions: Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Cool the mashed potato topping then either refrigerate (4 days) or freeze (3 months).
5.Thaw if frozen (baking from frozen will take much longer) then bake according to recipe. Or bake from frozen – 180°C/350° for 45 minutes covered, then 30 minutes uncovered.
You can even make individual servings in ramekins!
6.Nutrition per serving, assuming 5 generous servings.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
- Serving: 602g
- Calories: 611cal (31%)
- Carbohydrates: 50.1g (17%)
- Protein: 53g (106%)Fat: 19.6g (30%)
- Saturated Fat: 7.8g (49%)
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.8g
- Cholesterol: 149mg (50%)
- Sodium: 681mg (30%)
- Potassium: 1854mg (53%)
- Fiber: 7.1g (30%)
- Sugar: 8.1g (9%)
- Vitamin A: 2350IU (47%)
- Vitamin C: 71.8mg (87%)
- Calcium: 80mg (8%)
- Iron: 30.4mg (169%)
Health Benefits Cottage Pie
Cottage pie can provide a variety of nutrients and health benefits when prepared with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Here are some potential benefits of Cottage Pie Recipe:
- High in Protein: The minced meat used in cottage pie is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: Cottage pie usually includes a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, peas and celery, which provide important vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Lowers Cholesterol: The soluble fiber found in vegetables can help lower blood cholesterol levels, which is important for maintaining heart health.
- Energy-boosting carbohydrates: The mashed potatoes used to top cottage pie provide a good source of carbohydrates, which can help fuel the body and provide sustained energy.
- Comforting and Satisfying: Cottage pie can be a comforting and satisfying food that can help reduce stress and promote mental health.
However, it’s worth noting that cottage pie can be high in calories and fat if it’s made with fatty cuts of meat or excessive amounts of butter and cream in the mashed potato topping. To make cottage pie healthier, consider using leaner cuts of meat, use less butter and cream in the mashed potato topping, or replace the meat with plant-based protein sources such as lentils or mushrooms.
Also Read: vegetarian-recipe