Cottage pie
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: British
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
This traditional British dish of beef mince under a cheesy topping of mashed potatoes is hearty and comforting - like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
  • 750g (27 oz) lean beef mince/ground beef
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 4 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 4 sticks celery, finely diced
  • 2 large cloves garlic, crushed
  • olive oil for frying
  • 1 x 410g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes with juice
  • 250ml (8.5 fl oz) beef stock
  • 2 Tbsp tomato concentrate paste
  • 1 Tbsp
  • chipotle ketchup
  • (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper
  • FOR THE TOPPING:
  • 4 large floury potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 75g (1/3 cup) butter
  • 50ml (1.75 fl oz) milk (or more, as needed)
  • 1 tsp mustard of your choice
  • 100g (3.5 oz) Cheddar cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Add enough oil to a large, deep frying pan to cover the base and heat. Sautée the onion, carrots and garlic in the oil until the onion is translucent but not yet browning. Add the garlic and beef and continue to cook until the mince is browned and almost cooked.
  2. Stir in the tin of tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, sugar, chipotle ketchup (if using) and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer over medium heat until the sauce has reduced to the desired consistency (about 30-40 minutes). Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper at the end.
  3. Pre-heat the oven to 190C (375F).
  4. In the meantime, boil the potatoes in water until soft enough to pierce easily with a sharp knife (about 20 minutes). Drain well. In a bowl, mash the potatoes well together with the butter, mustard and milk. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Spoon the cooked mince into an ovenproof casserole dish, discarding the bay leaf. Spread the mashed potato as evenly as possible over the top, making sure all the mince is covered. Score some lines in the top of the potato with a fork, then sprinkly liberally with the grated cheese. Place in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes or until the potato topping turns golden brown. You can also turn the grill on for a few minutes towards the end.
Recipe by Cooksister | Food, Travel, Photography at https://www.cooksister.com/2011/03/cottage-pie-for-comfort.html