Novus Media

Easy British Cottage Pie Recipe

A classic British comfort food, this recipe entails seasoned beef mince with vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling.


Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 500g beef mince
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you have)
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 beef stock cube (dissolved in 250ml hot water)
  • 1 tbsp plain flour (to thicken)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 100g frozen peas (optional)
  • 800g floury potatoes (like Maris Piper), peeled and chopped
  • 50g butter
  • 50ml milk (add more for creamier mash)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a handful of grated mature cheddar (for topping)

Preparation

Time needed: 1 hour and 5 minutes

A classic British comfort food made with seasoned beef mince and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potato and baked until golden and bubbling.

  1. Prepare the mash:

    Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15–20 minutes until tender.
    Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

  2. Cook the beef filling:

    Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
    Add onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
    Add the beef mince. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
    Stir in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, flour, and stock.
    Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Add peas towards the end if using.

  3. Assemble:

    Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
    Spoon the beef mixture into an ovenproof dish.
    Top with mashed potato, spreading it over evenly. Rough up the top with a fork (gives a lovely crispy texture).
    Optional: sprinkle grated cheese on top.


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