Craving a comforting meal that warms the soul? Look no further than this Easy Peasy Cottage Pie! This classic British dish combines savory ground beef, vibrant mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes into a delightful harmony of flavors. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe promises to be a hit at your table. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes to deliciousness, you’ll be savoring every bite in no time. Ready to impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your kitchen the heart of the home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 1 cup of mixed vegetables, 1 cup of beef broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cottage pie later.
- In a large skillet, 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 ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the mixed vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading them out evenly to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create texture on the surface of the mashed potatoes, which will help them brown nicely 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 cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve the Easy Peasy Cottage Pie warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty British dish!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: To save time, chop your onion and prepare your mashed potatoes in advance. You can even use store-bought mashed potatoes for an even quicker option!
- Browning the Beef: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor. Don’t rush this step; it adds depth to your cottage pie.
- Texture Matters: When spreading the mashed potatoes, use a fork to create peaks and valleys. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Seasoning: Taste your filling before adding it to the baking dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference.
- Let it Rest: Allow the cottage pie to cool for a few minutes after baking. This will help the filling set and make serving easier.
- Garnish: For a fresh touch, consider garnishing your cottage pie with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Prepare a double batch and freeze one for a convenient meal later on.Enjoy creating this delightful cottage pie that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 338kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
