Description
Classic cottage pie blends savory ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes in a comforting British dish. Hearty layers and rich flavors invite home cooks to savor a traditional meal that warms both plate and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 kg (2.75 lbs) beef mince
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1.8 kg (4 lbs) potatoes, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery sticks, chopped
- 850 ml (28.7 fl oz) beef stock
- 200 g (7.05 oz) strong cheddar, grated
- 4 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 3 tbsps plain flour
- 225 ml (7.6 fl oz) milk
- 25 g (0.88 oz) butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 large glass red wine (optional)
- A few thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Caramelize ground beef in batches over medium heat, developing a rich, golden-brown exterior. Set aside the cooked meat in a separate container.
- Vegetable Infusion: In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until translucent. Add garlic, then sprinkle flour and tomato purée. Reintroduce the browned beef and allow flavors to meld together.
- Liquid Enhancement: Deglaze the pan with wine, then incorporate beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer uncovered, reducing the liquid and concentrating the flavors. Remove herb sprigs and season with salt and pepper.
- Potato Topping Creation: Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and allow to steam-dry. Whip with milk, butter, and most of the cheese. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assembly and Finishing: Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully layer mashed potatoes on top, creating decorative peaks. Sprinkle remaining cheese for a golden, crisp finish.
- Baking Process: Preheat oven to 428°F (220°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp. Allow to rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Batch Browning Technique: Cooking ground beef in multiple batches prevents overcrowding and ensures a perfect caramelized exterior, which develops deeper flavor and prevents steaming.
- Vegetable Sauté Secret: Low and slow cooking of onions, carrots, and celery creates a flavor foundation that enhances the overall depth of the cottage pie.
- Liquid Reduction Strategy: Simmering the meat mixture uncovered allows excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating flavors and creating a rich, hearty filling.
- Potato Moisture Management: Letting potatoes steam-dry after draining prevents watery mashed potatoes, ensuring a light, fluffy topping that browns beautifully.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg