Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of British comfort cuisine! This classic English Beef Cottage Pie is not just a meal—it's a warm, hearty embrace on a plate that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger and comfort your soul. With its rich, savory beef filling topped with golden, crispy mashed potatoes, this recipe is the ultimate one-dish wonder that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and diced carrots to the beef. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.
- Add frozen peas to the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Spread prepared mashed potatoes in a smooth, even layer over the beef mixture, creating a complete surface coverage.
- Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the potato surface, which will crisp and brown nicely during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground lamb for a more traditional British taste.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning to prevent a greasy filling.
- Use cold mashed potatoes for easier spreading and a more defined top layer.
- For a crispy potato topping, use a fork to create textured peaks that will brown beautifully in the oven.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.
- Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for additional depth of flavor.
- If you want a richer filling, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste while cooking the beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
