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Mum’s Traditional Cottage Pie

Mum’s Traditional Cottage Pie
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Mum’s Traditional Cottage Pie is a classic, comforting dish featuring savory minced beef cooked in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes that bake into a golden, crispy crust. This hearty and versatile meal is perfect for family dinners, delivering warmth and homemade goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Filling

  • 500g minced beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 100g peas or green beans
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 250ml beef stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 900g starchy potatoes (Russets or Maris Piper), peeled and chopped
  • 50g butter
  • 100ml warm milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and mash with butter and warm milk until creamy and smooth. Set aside, keeping warm.
  2. Cook the filling: Heat oil in a large pan and sauté diced onions and carrots until soft. Add minced beef and cook until browned, breaking up lumps. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Simmer gently until thickened into a rich gravy. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in peas or green beans.
  3. Assemble the pie: Transfer the beef filling to a baking dish and spread evenly. Spoon mashed potatoes on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula or fork to create ridges that will crisp up beautifully when baked.
  4. Bake until golden: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the assembled pie for 20-25 minutes until the potato topping is golden and crispy around the edges. Allow to rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper for the fluffiest mash and best crisping.
  • Avoid overworking the mashed potatoes to keep them light and airy.
  • Browning the minced beef well adds richer flavor.
  • Simmer the filling sufficiently to thicken the gravy.
  • Create ridges on the mashed potatoes with a fork for a classic crispy texture on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cottage Pie, Minced Beef, Comfort Food, Traditional British Recipe, Mashed Potato Topping, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/mums-traditional-cottage-pie/