Best Of Britain: Cottage Pie Recipe

Date: May 30,2022

History Of This Dish

Cottage pie is a traditional dish loved and served by hundreds of thousands of families all year round, enjoyed if it rains, snows, sun shines or is windy, it is a dish guaranteed to lift your spirits and fill that hole in your tummy. This delicious dish dates all the way back to the 1700’s when potatoes were widely considered an affordable crop, from this it was only a matter of time that someone figured out the recipe for a filling, inexpensive and sustainable meal. It is similar to its counterpart “Shepards Pie”, but where cottage pie contains beef or mutton, shepherds pie contains lamb exclusively, aside from the name there isn't much to differentiate.

What Will You Need?

3tbsp olive oil.
3 carrots.
2 garlic cloves (finely chopped).
1 tbsp of tomato puree.
Large glass of red wine.
1.2kg Beef Mince.
4 tbsp of worcestershire sauce.
850ml beef stock.
3 tbsp plain flour.
2 onions finely chopped.

For The Mash

1.8kg Chopped Potatoes.
225ml Milk.
200g strong Grated cheddar .
25g Butter.

Let's Start Cooking!

Step 1

Start by heating 1 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan and fry your 1.2kg beef mince until it has browned. (if your saucepan is too small then this may need to be done twice).

Step 2

Finely chop your 2 onions and your 3 carrots and add them to a saucepan with your other 2 tbsp of oil and gently cook until it has become soft.

Step 3

Add your finely chopped garlic, your 3 tbsp of plain flour (to thicken), 1 tbsp of tomato puree and increase the heat of the pan and add in your beef mince.

Step 4

Next you will want to add in your large glass of red wine, reduce the win slightly before adding the 850ml of beef stock and your worcestershire sauce.

Step 5

Lower the temperature of your pan and bring it to a simmer, leave this to cook for 45 minutes uncovered. After half an hour the gravy should be thick, if it is not slightly increase the heat until it is thicker.

Step 6

While your meat and vegetables are simmering, make a start on the mash. You will want to start by adding your 1.8kg of chopped potatoes to a saucepan with cold salted water. Bring it to a boil and simmer the potatoes until they are tender.

Step 7

Next you will want to drain the potatoes thoroughly and allow them to dry for a few minutes before adding your 225 ml of milk, 25g of butter and your 200g of strong grated cheese. You will need to start mashing your potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and add the butter, cheese and milk.

Step 8

When you have completed the above steps you will need to get a large ovenproof dish and spoon in your meat and vegetables, after you have created an even base you will want to either pipe on or spoon on your mash, if you have any remaining cheese you an add it to the top of your cottage pie.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 220 degrees celsius/ 200 degrees celsius fan/ Gas mark 7 and cook your pie for about 25-30 minutes, or until the mash has turned a golden brown.

Serve And Enjoy!

Serve your freshly made, nutritious and delicious cottage pie with your favourite people, whether this be family, friends, or maybe to make an impression on new acquaintances. You will have everybody longing for your recipe for this incredible slice of British delicacy.