Description
This classic Cottage Pie is a hearty British comfort dish made with savory minced beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
500 g (1.1 lb) beef mince, 5% fat
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
1 tbsp plain flour
1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
1 tsp dried sage (or fresh)
500 ml (2 cups) beef stock
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp Worcester sauce (or Henderson’s Relish)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 kg (2.2 lb) white potatoes
2 tbsp salted butter
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180℃/350℉ (200℃/425℉ or Gas Mark 6).
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef mince and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up until browned all over.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Sprinkle in the flour, thyme, and sage. Stir to coat and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef stock, tomato puree, and Worcester sauce. Season with salt and pepper, stir well, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich gravy.
- Meanwhile, peel and chop the potatoes, then boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a large ovenproof dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Use a fork to ruffle the surface for crispier edges. Optional: sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Ensure the center is piping hot before serving.
Notes
Use starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet for smooth, fluffy mash.
For a gluten-free version, replace plain flour with cornflour or a gluten-free thickener.
Add frozen peas, leeks, or sweetcorn for added texture and flavor.
The pie can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
