The traditional Cottage Pie stands as a quintessential emblem of hearty comfort food. At its heart, a rich and savoury filling of ground beef, tenderly cooked with onions, carrots, and celery, forms a flavourful base, imbued with the earthy notes of thyme and rosemary and the tangy hint of Worcestershire sauce.
This robust mixture is lovingly blanketed with a layer of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, which are whipped to perfection with a touch of butter and milk, offering a delightful contrast in texture.
As the pie bakes, the potato topping transforms into a golden-brown crust, slightly crispy on the outside while remaining luxuriously soft underneath.
The Cottage Pie emanates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the room, evoking images of cozy family dinners and the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal. It's a dish that not only nourishes but also comforts, bringing a sense of tradition to the table.
Traditional Cottage Pie
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated cheese for topping
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
- Add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef stock, bring to a simmer, and let cook for about 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the filling is cooking, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Cottage Pie:
- Spoon the beef mixture into a Hulamin Aluminum baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
- If using, sprinkle the grated cheese over the potatoes.
Bake the Cottage Pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Serve hot and enjoy this classic, comforting dish that's perfect for a hearty family meal!