Description
Comforting cottage pie celebrates traditional British cuisine with layers of savory ground beef and creamy mashed potato perfection. Rich flavors and rustic charm invite you to savor a classic meal that warms both heart and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 650 grams (1 lb 7 oz) beef mince (ground beef)
- 900 grams (2 lb) King Edward potatoes, peeled and chopped
Meat Preparation Ingredients:
- 50 milliliters (2 fl oz) olive oil
- 1 large onion or 3–4 banana shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée (tomato paste)
- 1 tablespoon plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 150 milliliters (5 fl oz) red wine
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
- 400 milliliters (14 fl oz) beef stock
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Topping and Serving Ingredients:
- 115 grams (4 oz) butter
- 125 milliliters (4½ fl oz) milk
- 150 grams (5½ oz) frozen peas
- 50 grams (1¾ oz) butter
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet, warm half the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, then transfer to a separate dish.
- Using the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high. Brown beef mince in batches, ensuring each portion develops a rich caramelized exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Reintroduce sautéed onions to the skillet. Incorporate tomato purée, stirring for one minute. Dust with flour and cook briefly before deglazing with red wine, creating a robust foundation.
- Infuse the mixture with thyme leaves and beef stock. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and intensify in flavor. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simultaneously prepare mashed potatoes by boiling in salted water for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain completely and whip with butter and milk until achieving a velvety, smooth consistency.
- Preheat grill to high temperature. Transfer beef mixture into a baking dish, creating an even layer. Carefully spread mashed potatoes across the surface, creating decorative peaks.
- Position dish under grill for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully until potato topping turns golden and crispy.
- During final moments, quickly boil peas for 3-4 minutes. Finish with a luxurious butter glaze before serving.
- Plate cottage pie accompanied by buttered peas, presenting a classic British comfort meal.
Notes
- Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef with around 15% fat for optimal flavor and moisture without excess grease.
- Onion Technique: Dice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Wine Depth: Red wine adds rich complexity; opt for a dry variety like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the meat’s savory profile.
- Potato Perfection: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for the fluffiest, most velvety mashed topping.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat alternative for a hearty meat-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg