Craving the ultimate comfort food? The Best Cottage Pie offers a rich, hearty filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, making it a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and budget-friendly. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Makes 6-8 Servings
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tsp rapeseed oil
- 600g/1lb 5oz beef mince
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1½ tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 400ml/14fl oz beef stock (from a cube)
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 400g/14oz carrots, peeled and finely chopped
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 1kg/2lb 4oz potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 100ml/3½fl oz semi-skimmed milk
- 1 x 415g tin baked beans
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5. Proper preheating ensures the cottage pie cooks evenly.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat rapeseed oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef mince and brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, set the beef aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings and Vegetables
Return the browned beef to the pan. Stir in dried thyme, tomato purée, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped carrots. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. For tips on making a hearty beef filling, refer to this guide.
4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the beef mixture simmers, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, semi-skimmed milk, and season with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. For perfect mashed potatoes, check out this mashed potatoes recipe.
5. Assemble the Cottage Pie
Stir baked beans into the beef mixture. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch ovenproof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, creating a fluffy layer. For a golden top, you can lightly brush the mashed potatoes with a little melted butter or sprinkle with extra salt and pepper.
6. Bake the Cottage Pie
Place the assembled cottage pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. This ensures the flavors are fully developed and the dish is heated through.
7. Serve
Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to portion and enjoy. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
- Use Quality Beef: Choosing high-quality mince ensures a richer flavor and better texture for your cottage pie.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Potato Topping: For an extra creamy topping, you can mix in some sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cottage pie in advance and refrigerate. Simply bake it when you’re ready to enjoy a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your The Best Cottage Pie with a side of crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal. For more side dish ideas, explore these suggestions to complement your hearty cottage pie perfectly.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 15%
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Best Cottage Pie is a quintessential comfort food that combines the richness of a hearty beef filling with the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes. This classic dish is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for feeding a crowd or enjoying a satisfying family meal. Its easy preparation and one-pan nature mean minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, ensuring that you can enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Try It Today!
Ready to enjoy a comforting and hearty meal? Prepare The Best Cottage Pie tonight and delight in the rich, savory flavors that make this dish a timeless favorite. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or feeding guests, this cottage pie is sure to impress with its delicious taste and satisfying texture. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and let us know how much you love this classic comfort food recipe!