If you're craving a hearty and comforting meal that will warm your soul, look no further than this classic Cottage Pie with Beef! Bursting with rich flavors and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this British favorite is the ultimate dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of 65 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your Cottage Pie cooks evenly and develops a nice golden crust on top.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the diced carrots to the pan and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots begin to soften.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the liquid reduce slightly.
- Add the frozen peas to the meat mixture and stir until evenly distributed. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In a large baking dish, spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Take your prepared mashed potatoes and spread them over the beef mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure to cover the filling completely.
- For an extra touch, you can use a fork to create patterns on the surface of the mashed potatoes, which will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Once done, remove the Cottage Pie from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to portion out.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Cottage Pie with Beef!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the pie when you're ready to bake.
- Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes from another meal, this is the perfect recipe to utilize them! Just make sure they’re well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Perfect Your Crust: For an extra crispy topping, broil the Cottage Pie for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Let It Rest: Allow the Cottage Pie to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
- Pair It Right: Serve with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that will impress your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 167kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 18g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
