Traditional British Cottage Pie

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Cottage pie is a classic British dish consisting of a savoury ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden brown. Here’s a detailed recipe to create this comforting meal.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef

- 2 carrots, peeled and diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth

- 1 cup (240ml) red wine (optional, or use more beef broth)

- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp dried rosemary

- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

- 1/4 cup (60g) butter

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

- 1/2 cup (50g) grated cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

5. Once the beef is browned, add the diced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

7. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half.

8. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.

9. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are tender.

10. Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. While the filling is simmering, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.

2. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter.

4. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Assemble the Cottage Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Spread the beef and vegetable filling evenly in the bottom of a large baking dish.

3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them out to cover the entire surface. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the top.

4. If using, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.

Bake the Cottage Pie:

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

2. If the top needs more browning, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Serve:

1. Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

2. Scoop into individual portions and serve hot.

Tips:

- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavour and nutrition.

- Leftovers: Cottage pie reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

- Cheese Topping: For a more decadent topping, mix the cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the filling.

This traditional cottage pie is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The rich meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping make it a beloved classic in British cuisine. Enjoy!

Time 1:45 Minutes, The Traditional British Cottage Pie recipe serves 4 people, with each serving containing approximately 590 calories, 31.5 grams of fat, 29 grams of protein, 43 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of fiber. This comforting dish provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

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