Hearty Cottage Pie Recipe

The ingredients for Hearty Cottage Pie include a variety of nutritious vegetables, mashed potatoes, carrots, a rich beef stock prepared with love, and, most importantly, cheddar cheese. Check out the detailed recipe below!

Ingredients for Cottage Pie

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1¼ kg 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)
• 850 ml beef stock
• 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• A few thyme sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• For the Mash:
• 1.8 kg potatoes, chopped
• 225 ml milk
• 25 g butter
• 200 g strong cheddar, grated
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gradually add the remaining puréed vegetables, one bay leaf, salt, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Cottage Pie is a great option as it contains a variety of nutritious and flavorful ingredients. Finish with freshly ground pepper to taste.

Step 2: Infuse Garlic and Flour

Add minced garlic cloves, half of the flour, and the tomato purée to the mixture. Increase the heat and let it cook for a few minutes before returning the cooked beef mince to the pan.

Step 3: Pour in Wine and Stock

Next, add a generous amount of red wine (if available) to the pan. Let it reach a boil and reduce for a while. Then, mix in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.

Step 4: Cook the Filling

Place the mixture into a pot, bring it to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 45 minutes. The gravy should thicken and cling to the meat. Check after 30 minutes; if there’s too much liquid, increase the heat to let it evaporate. Season well, and finally remove the bay leaves and thyme stalks.

Step 5: Make the Mash

In a large pan, cover the peeled and cubed potatoes with salted cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until tender.

Step 6: Mash the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes well and let them steam dry for a few minutes. Mash with 225 ml of milk, 25 g of butter, and three-quarters of the 200 g strong cheddar. Season with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 7: Assemble the Cottage Pie

Fill two ovenproof dishes with the meat filling, ensuring it reaches the edges. Cover with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas 7) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Step 9: Slow Cooker Option

For a slow cooker method, brown the mince in batches, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the vegetables, flour, purée, wine, stock, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Cover and cook on High for 4-5 hours. Prepare the mash as previously described, then finish in the oven.

Enjoy Your Cottage Pie!

Cottage Pie is a classic family dinner option because it is filling and delicious. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich flavors of the meat combined with the creamy mashed potatoes!