Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie is a classic British comfort food that combines a savory ground beef filling with a creamy mashed potato topping. This dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner and is sure to please everyone at the table. With ingredients like ground beef, vegetables, and a rich sauce, all topped with buttery mashed potatoes and cheese, Cottage Pie is both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe and learn how to make Cottage Pie step-by-step.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh thyme (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic:
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Flour:
   • Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Add Liquid and Seasonings:
   • Gradually stir in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Add the Worcestershire sauce, chopped fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Simmer and Add Peas:
   • Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. Cook Potatoes:
   • In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Mash Potatoes:
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Add Cheese:
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Assemble Cottage Pie:
   • Transfer the beef filling to a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them out to cover the meat mixture completely. Use a fork to create ridges or patterns on the top, which will help with browning.
3. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the Cottage Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh thyme. Serve hot.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Beef: You can substitute ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie, or use a mixture of beef and lamb for added flavor.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and buttery, but you can also use russet potatoes for a fluffier texture.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor to the mashed potatoes, but you can use other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan if you prefer.

Variations

Vegetarian Cottage Pie

• Use Lentils:
  • Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Mushroom Cottage Pie

• Add Mushrooms:
  • Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mixture for added flavor and texture.

Spicy Cottage Pie

• Add Spice:
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

With Sides

• With Salad:
  • Serve with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
• With Bread:
  • Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful filling.

With Beverages

• With Red Wine:
  • Enjoy with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a classic pairing.
• With Beer:
  • Serve with a cold beer or ale for a hearty and comforting drink.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Cottage Pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the Cottage Pie ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Cottage Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Cottage Pie? A: Yes, you can freeze Cottage Pie. Assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh thyme? A: You can use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme as a substitute for fresh thyme.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes for the topping? A: Yes, you can use mashed sweet potatoes for a different flavor and color.

Cottage Pie is a classic and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory ground beef filling, creamy mashed potato topping, and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, Cottage Pie is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish with your family and friends!