Old Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash Recipe
Cottage pie is a classic British comfort food, typically made with ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. The history of this dish dates back to the late 18th century, and it has remained a beloved meal across generations due to its hearty, flavorful nature. This particular recipe adds a cheesy twist to the traditional mashed potato topping, giving the pie extra richness and depth.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 250ml (1 cup) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
For the cheesy mash topping:
- 1kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 50g (3.5 tablespoons) butter
- 100ml (1/2 cup) milk
- 100g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50g (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Sauté the vegetables – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the diced carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Cook the beef – Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the ground beef to the center. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Add garlic and tomato paste – Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to coat the beef and vegetables.
- Create the sauce – Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, canned tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Add the dried thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Optional peas or corn – If you like, stir in the frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Preheat the oven – While the filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Prepare the cheesy mashed potatoes
- Boil the potatoes – While the filling cooks, place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Mash the potatoes – Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese melts into the potatoes. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the pie
- Layer the filling – Transfer the beef and vegetable filling into a deep ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly across the base.
- Add the cheesy mash topping – Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the filling, using the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Make sure the potatoes reach the edges of the dish to seal in the filling.
- Sprinkle Parmesan – For an extra cheesy and golden finish, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Bake the cottage pie
- Bake the pie – Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and crispy on top. If you want an even more golden finish, place the pie under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
- Cool and serve – Once baked, remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Pie
- Lean ground beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or even substitute ground lamb to turn this into a shepherd’s pie.
- Vegetable variety: You can swap out or add vegetables according to your preference. Try adding chopped mushrooms, parsnips, or even diced zucchini.
- Make it ahead: Cottage pie is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes a day in advance. Simply refrigerate the assembled pie, then bake it the next day.
- Freezing: Cottage pie also freezes well. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pie for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, defrost in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This Old Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash is an ultimate comfort dish with its rich, savory filling and indulgent cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners, it is a versatile recipe that allows for ingredient flexibility and easy preparation. Whether you’re making it ahead or enjoying it straight out of the oven, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.