Simple Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings spent with family. This version keeps it simple and mild, making it great for kids while still being delicious for everyone. Imagine a flavorful meat filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese—what’s not to love? This dish can be prepped ahead of time and baked when you’re ready. It's a hit with kids!

Slice of homemade cottage pie with minced meat filling, creamy mashed potato topping, and golden-baked crust

Discovering Cottage Pie

Cottage pie, originating from the United Kingdom, traditionally features minced meat (commonly beef) under a comforting layer of mashed potatoes, making it ideal for a hearty family meal. It is often confused with Shepherd's Pie, which specifically uses lamb. Cottage pie is not just filling; it provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Picture the ground meat filling, simmered with aromatic vegetables and rich stock, offering a savory base. On top, smooth and creamy mashed potatoes bring comfort to every bite. A sprinkle of cheese elevates it even more, adding a melty, flavorful finish.

Ingredients for Cottage Pie

Filling

To prepare a classic cottage pie, you will need:

• 500 g Ground beef and/or lamb

• 1 finely chopped onion

• 2 grated carrots

• 2 minced garlic cloves

• 200 g tomato puree

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 200 ml beef or vegetable stock

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil for cooking

  
  

These ingredients create a robust filling that is the heart of this nostalgic dish. In fact, using high-quality ground beef can significantly enhance the flavor.

Topping

The comforting layer that tops the cottage pie consists of:

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

• Salt to taste

  
  

This make-up forms a creamy, decadent topping that beautifully contrasts with the meat filling, ensuring that every bite has a satisfying mix of flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

2. Cook the Meat: Incorporate the ground beef or lamb to the pan. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors of your filling.

   
   

3. Add Tomatoes and Stock: Mix in the tomato paste and tomato puree. Pour in the beef or vegetable stock and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. This creates a rich and hearty base for your pie.

   
   

4. Finish the Filling: Stir in the frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is thoroughly combined, remove from heat and set aside.

   
   

Making the Potato Topping

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a separate pot, boil the chopped potatoes until tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes.

   
   

2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.

   
   

Assembling and Baking

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

   
   

2. Layer the Dish: Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Layer the creamy mashed potatoes over the meat.

   
   

3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top for a deliciously melty finish.

   
   

Place the assembled cottage pie in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.

Serving Ideas

Once out of the oven, allow the cottage pie to rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs excellently with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. The crispness of the salad balances the rich flavors of the cottage pie.