Description
This Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and flavorful meat sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden. A hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Mashed Potatoes:
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 40g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, cubed
- 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 600g (1 1/2 lbs) lean ground beef
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 120ml (1/2 cup) white or red wine
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 360ml (1 1/2 cups) beef stock
- 250g (8.8 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 150g (1 cup) frozen peas
For Baking:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add salt and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and let them sit in a colander for 5 minutes.
-
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery. Season with thyme and rosemary.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes on low heat until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef. Increase the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the wine. Cook for 2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.
- Sprinkle in the flour, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef stock and add the canned diced tomatoes. Stir well and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
-
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F).
- Grease a deep 20cm x 25cm (8-inch x 10-inch) baking dish.
-
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Pass the cooked potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them in a bowl.
- Pour the warm heavy cream over the potatoes, then mix in the cubed butter, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
- Stir until well combined and smooth.
-
Assemble & Bake:
- Spread the meat sauce evenly in the baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth it out. Optionally, use a spoon to create a decorative pattern.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and lightly crisp on top.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg