Introduction
Cottage pie, a hearty and comforting dish, has been a favorite in British and Irish households for generations. It's a delightful medley of savory minced meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all baked to golden perfection. If you're in the mood for some cozy home cooking, here's a classic cottage pie recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
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Ingredients: What You'll Need
Let's gather all the essential ingredients for this delightful cottage pie.
For the Meat Filling:
1 pound (450g) of ground beef (or you can use ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd's Pie).
1 onion, finely chopped.
2 carrots, diced.
2 garlic cloves, minced.
2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
1 cup (240ml) of beef broth.
1 cup (240ml) of frozen peas.
2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Salt and black pepper to taste.
A pinch of thyme and rosemary (dried or fresh).
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered.
4 tablespoons of butter.
1/2 cup (120ml) of milk (adjust to desired creaminess).
Salt and black pepper to taste.
Preparing Your Cottage Pie
Let's start crafting your cottage pie:
Making the Meat Filling:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it's nicely browned.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the beef broth and add a pinch of thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Then, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
Making the Mashed Potato Topping:
While the meat filling is simmering, place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or a hand mixer.
Add the butter and milk to the mashed potatoes, and continue to mash until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking Your Cottage Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a baking dish, spread the meat filling evenly.
Top the meat filling with the creamy mashed potatoes, spreading them out with a fork. You can create decorative patterns on the surface if you like.
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.
Serving Your Comforting Cottage Pie
Your classic cottage pie is now ready to be served. Scoop out generous portions onto plates, and savor the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this beloved dish.
Whether you enjoy it as a family dinner or to celebrate the taste of home, cottage pie is a true comfort food classic that's sure to satisfy.
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