Traditional Cottage Pie Recipe
- Preparation Time: 20 Miniutes
- Cooking Time: 40 Minutes
- Total Time: 60 Minutes
- Serves: Four People
- Est. Calories: 450 Kcal
- Meal Type: Main Course
Cottage Pie is a treasured comfort food, originating from Ireland and Britain. It’s a hearty dish featuring a mouthwatering mince/ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
This recipe is perfect for expats longing for a taste of home, this recipe is easy to prepare and brings a nostalgic touch to your dinner table. Made with high-quality Irish meat, available from our online store, this dish is sure to become a family favourite.
Cottage Pie Ingredients
- 500g ground beef (Irish beef preferred)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Using a Food Processor to Make Mince Meat
- Using diced beef, trim any excess fat and sinew.
- Cut the beef into smaller, manageable chunks if needed.
- Place the beef chunks in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the beef to firm up, making it easier to mince.
- Place the chilled beef chunks into the food processor. Do not overfill; it’s best to work in batches.
- Pulse the beef in short bursts until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process; you want a coarsely ground texture, not a paste.
- After pulsing, check the beef for any large pieces that need additional processing.
- Transfer the minced meat to a bowl and repeat with the remaining beef.
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 1kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 100ml milk
- 50g butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions/Method for the Mince Meat Filling
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Preparing Mashed Potatoes
- While the filling is simmering, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Assembling the Pie
- Transfer the beef mixture to a large baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Use a fork to create a textured surface on the potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the pie cool slightly before serving.
Bacon by the Box Serving Suggestions
Cottage Pie pairs excellently with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like peas. An unconventional but delightful side is baked beans – don’t dismiss it until you’ve tried it!
Browse Ingredients for this Recipe
Visit our online store to purchase the finest cuts of Irish beef and other high-quality ingredients for this recipe.
