Cottage Pie
A classic British comfort food made with savoury minced beef and a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for a cosy family dinner.
Servings: 4
Calories: 615kcal
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots diced (optional, adds sweetness and bulk)
- 1 celery stick finely chopped (optional, adds flavour and texture)
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 500 g beef mince
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
- 1 beef stock cube or 250ml beef stock
- 150 ml water add more if needed
- 1 tbsp beef gravy granules optional, to thicken and boost flavour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g frozen peas can be stirred into the filling or served on the side.
For the Mash Topping
- 1 kg floury potatoes Maris Piper or King Edward, peeled and chopped
- 30 g butter
- 50 ml milk add more for a creamier texture
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 50g grated cheddar cheese for the top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas 6.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion, carrot, and celery (if using) and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the mince, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned all over.
- Stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, stock cube, and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Stir in the gravy granules if using, season to taste, and set aside.
- While the mince is simmering, put the potatoes on to boil. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Drain well, then mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season to taste.
- Spoon the beef mixture into a 1.5–1.7 litre ovenproof dish (around 20 x 25cm / 8 x 10 inches).
- Spread the mash evenly on top and use a fork to create ridges.
- Sprinkle with cheese if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden on top and bubbling around the edges.
- Serve with peas or your favourite vegetables on the side.
Nutrition
Calories: 615kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 580mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5362IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3mg
