Traditional Cottage Pie

Traditional Cottage Pie

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!

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