Savory Chili Beef & Parsnip Cottage Pie
Indulge in a hearty and comforting dish featuring a savory blend of lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and wholesome vegetables, topped with a luscious layer of creamy mashed parsnips or potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Chili Beef Cottage Pie comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal family meal. The balanced flavors ensure it's not too spicy for younger palates, while still delivering a satisfying taste experience for adults. Prepare it ahead of time, and simply heat in the oven for a delightful dinner that everyone will enjoy.
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (For cooking)
Large onion
1 (Chopped)
Cumin seeds
2 teaspoons (For cooking, divided)
Lean ground beef
500 g (For cooking)
Garlic cloves
2 (Crushed)
Kidney beans in chili sauce
420 g (Canned)
Chopped tomatoes
400 g (Canned)
Parsnips or potatoes
1 kg (Peeled and chopped into chunks)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
Push the softened onions to one side of the pan, then increase the heat slightly and add the lean ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and well-cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the beef is browned, add the crushed garlic, kidney beans in chili sauce, chopped tomatoes, and half a can of water. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
While the beef mixture simmers, prepare your topping: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the peeled and chopped parsnips or potatoes. Cook until soft and easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash the vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy.
5
Preheat the grill (broiler) to medium-high. Once the beef mixture has simmered and thickened, transfer it to a large ovenproof dish. Spoon the mashed topping evenly over the beef mixture, creating a smooth layer.
6
Scatter the remaining cumin seeds over the top of the mash, then place the dish under the grill for about 5 minutes or until the mash is golden and slightly crispy.
Nutrition Information
10 g
Fat
37.5 g
Carbs
20 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chili Beef & Parsnip Cottage Pie?
It is a hearty and comforting dish featuring a savory blend of lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and wholesome vegetables, topped with a layer of creamy mashed parsnips or potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving of this cottage pie?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are olive oil, onion, cumin seeds, lean ground beef, garlic, kidney beans in chili sauce, chopped tomatoes, and parsnips or potatoes.
How much protein is provided in each serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
What is the fat content for this dish?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the onions be cooked?
The onions should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
When do I add the cumin seeds?
Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the softened onions for one minute, and scatter the remaining teaspoon over the mashed topping before grilling.
How long do the parsnips or potatoes need to boil?
Boil the peeled and chopped chunks for about 15 minutes or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
How long does the beef mixture need to simmer?
After adding the tomatoes, beans, and water, let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for 20 minutes.
What setting should the grill be on for the final step?
The grill, or broiler, should be preheated to a medium-high setting.
How long should the dish stay under the grill?
Place the dish under the grill for about 5 minutes until the topping is golden and slightly crispy.
Can I use potatoes instead of parsnips for the topping?
Yes, you can use either 1 kg of parsnips or 1 kg of potatoes, or even a mix of both.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 500 grams of lean ground beef.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, you should add half a can of water (using the empty tomato can) to the beef mixture before simmering.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The flavors are balanced and not too spicy, making it suitable for children while still being flavorful for adults.
Can this meal be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and simply heat it in the oven when you are ready to serve.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes onion, garlic, kidney beans, and chopped tomatoes.
Is this a good recipe for a quick midweek dinner?
Yes, with a total prep and cook time of about 30 minutes, it is an ideal midweek family meal.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
The specific fiber content is not provided for this recipe.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
The sodium content is not specified for this recipe.
How should the kidney beans be prepared?
Use 420g of canned kidney beans that are already in chili sauce; do not drain them as the sauce adds flavor.
What gives the mashed topping its crispy texture?
Scattering cumin seeds over the mash and placing it under the grill for 5 minutes creates a golden, crispy finish.
How much starch is needed for the topping?
You will need 1 kg of parsnips or potatoes.
How should the parsnips or potatoes be prepared before boiling?
They should be peeled and chopped into chunks.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
It is tagged as a one-pot meal, though you will need a pan for the beef and a pot for boiling the mash.
What size dish should I use for assembly?
You should use a large ovenproof dish to layer the beef mixture and the mashed topping.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The sugar content is not specified, but the recipe uses wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables and lean meat.