Cheesy Leek & Beef Cottage Pie
This Cheesy Leek & Beef Cottage Pie is a warm and hearty dish that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Traditionally born from the need to use leftovers, this modern take uses fresh minced beef alongside vibrant vegetables like carrots and leeks, all enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce. Topped with fluffy mashed potatoes enhanced by the buttery sweetness of sautéed leeks and blanketed under a layer of sharp, mature farmhouse Cheddar cheese, this cottage pie offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Perfect for cozy family dinners or as a comforting treat on chilly evenings, this dish promises to be a hit among both young and old. Serve it straight from the oven with fresh seasonal vegetables and a generous jug of gravy for a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef or cooked beef, shredded
600 g (If using raw beef, dice; if using cooked, shred.)
onions
2 (Peeled and diced.)
carrot
1 large (Peeled and finely diced (or cooked and diced).)
butter or dripping
1 ounce (For frying.)
peas
(optional) (Cooked and ready to add.)
dried herbs or fresh mixed herbs
1 teaspoon or 1-2 tablespoons (Chopped if using fresh.)
flour
1 tablespoon (For thickening.)
tomato puree
1 tablespoon (No preparation needed.)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (No preparation needed.)
beef stock or red wine mixture
250 ml (Mix red wine with 2 teaspoons sugar if using that option.)
salt
to taste (No preparation needed.)
pepper
to taste (No preparation needed.)
potatoes
1 kg (Peeled and cut into even-sized pieces.)
leeks
2 large (Cleaned and finely shredded (or cooked and sliced).)
butter
2 ounces (For cooking leeks.)
milk
2-4 tablespoons (Added to mashed potatoes.)
mature farmhouse cheddar cheese
4 ounces (Grated for topping.)
additional salt and pepper
to taste (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Leek & Beef Cottage Pie?
It is a warm and hearty dish featuring minced beef and vegetables in a rich sauce, topped with leek-infused mashed potatoes and mature cheddar cheese.
What meat is primarily used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 600g of lean ground beef or shredded cooked beef.
Can I use leftovers for this dish?
Yes, the recipe is traditionally designed to use leftovers, and you can specifically use shredded cooked beef.
What type of cheese provides the best flavor for the topping?
A sharp, mature farmhouse Cheddar cheese is recommended for the topping.
How much cheese is required?
You will need 4 ounces (approximately 115 grams) of grated cheddar cheese.
How many potatoes are needed for the mash?
The recipe requires 1 kilogram of potatoes.
What vegetables are included in the beef filling?
The filling includes onions, carrots, and optional peas.
How many onions should I prepare?
You need two onions, peeled and diced.
What is the quantity of carrots used?
One large carrot, peeled and finely diced, is needed.
Are peas a mandatory ingredient?
No, peas are optional and should be cooked before being added to the mixture.
How are the leeks used in this cottage pie?
The leeks are cleaned, finely shredded, cooked in butter, and then mixed into the mashed potato topping.
How many leeks does the recipe call for?
You will need two large leeks.
How much butter is used for the leeks?
Two ounces of butter are used specifically for cooking the leeks.
What can be used to thicken the beef sauce?
One tablespoon of flour is used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Can red wine be used in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a red wine mixture (optionally mixed with 2 teaspoons of sugar) as part of the 250ml of liquid.
What is the alternative to using red wine?
You can use 250ml of beef stock instead of the red wine mixture.
What seasonings are recommended for the filling?
Salt, pepper, dried herbs or fresh mixed herbs, and Worcestershire sauce are used for seasoning.
How much Worcestershire sauce should I add?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What is the purpose of adding tomato puree?
One tablespoon of tomato puree is added to enhance the richness and flavor of the beef sauce.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
They should be peeled and cut into even-sized pieces for boiling.
Why is milk added to the potatoes?
Between 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk are added to ensure the mashed potatoes are fluffy and smooth.
What kind of herbs work best?
You can use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mixed herbs.
What fat is used for frying the onions and beef?
You can use one ounce of either butter or dripping.
How should the carrot be prepared?
It should be peeled and finely diced. If it is already cooked, it just needs to be diced.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a hit among both young and old, making it perfect for family dinners.
What are the suggested side dishes?
It is best served with fresh seasonal vegetables and a generous jug of gravy.
What is the overall texture of the dish?
It features a rich, meaty base with a contrast of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes and a melted cheese crust.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a satisfying treat for chilly evenings.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This recipe is a take on traditional British cuisine.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, both the filling and the potato topping can be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.