Cottage Pie Recipe: A Hearty Classic Comfort Food Dish
Cottage pie is a quintessential British comfort food that never fails to satisfy. This savoury dish, made with tender minced beef, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, is a true crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s simple yet delicious, offering a taste of home-cooked goodness. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own ultimate comfort food delight.
Ingredients:
– 500g minced beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
– 200ml beef stock
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp tomato puree
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 900g potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 50g butter
– 100ml milk
– 50g cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. Cooking the Meat Filling:
– Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the minced beef. Cook until browned.
– Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
– Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
– Simmer the mixture gently for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavours meld together. Set aside.
2. Preparing the Mashed Potato Topping:
– Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
– Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
– Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assembling the Cottage Pie:
– Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
– Spoon the cooked meat filling into a baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
– Spread the mashed potato topping over the meat filling, creating a rustic pattern with a fork.
– Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for a golden crust.
4. Baking and Serving:
– Place the assembled cottage pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
– Once baked, let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
– Serve hot portions of this delicious comfort food with your favourite steamy vegetables or a side salad.
5. Enjoying the Ultimate Comfort Food:
Cottage pie is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the oven, offering a delightful blend of meaty, savoury goodness mingled with creamy mashed potatoes. The layers of flavours and textures in this classic dish make it a timeless favourite for all generations to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weekday meal or a dish to impress guests at a gathering, this cottage pie recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, homely flavours. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food delight.