Traditional Irish Cottage Pie
This Traditional Irish Cottage Pie is a delightful and hearty one-dish meal that captures the essence of comfort food. Made with succulent ground beef, onions, and tomatoes simmered in savory beef stock, this dish is topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes that create a golden crust when baked. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this Cottage Pie embodies the warmth of homestyle Irish cooking. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that's sure to satisfy.
8
Servings
375
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
2 lbs (browned)
Oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Onions
2 (finely chopped)
Tomatoes
2 (chopped)
Beef Stock or Bouillon
1 cup
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Sage
1/4 teaspoon
Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Potatoes
5 medium (boiled and mashed)
Butter or Bacon Fat
1 tablespoon (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown until fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, leaving just a small amount to sauté the vegetables.
4
Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Pour in the beef stock (or bouillon) and sprinkle in the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
7
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring to incorporate all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
8
Transfer the hearty beef mixture into an ovenproof casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
9
In a separate bowl, prepare the mashed potatoes by mashing the boiled potatoes, and then stir in butter or bacon fat for added richness.
10
Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the casserole, scoring the surface with a fork to create texture.
11
Dot the mashed potatoes with additional butter, if desired, to help them brown beautifully.
12
Bake the Cottage Pie uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crusty.
13
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy the perfect slice of traditional Irish comfort food!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Irish Cottage Pie?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring ground beef, onions, and tomatoes in savory stock, topped with buttery mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 2 lbs of ground beef for this recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 22.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
What herbs are used in this Cottage Pie?
The recipe uses thyme, sage, and parsley for seasoning.
How many potatoes are needed for the topping?
You will need 5 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed.
Can I use bacon fat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either butter or bacon fat in the mashed potato topping for added richness.
How long does the Cottage Pie need to bake?
It should be baked for 30 to 40 minutes.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the Cottage Pie should be baked uncovered to allow the top to become golden and crusty.
What is the best way to prepare the onions?
The onions should be finely chopped and sautéed until tender and translucent.
How much beef stock is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of beef stock or bouillon.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 2 chopped fresh tomatoes.
Why do you score the potatoes with a fork?
Scoring the surface with a fork creates texture that helps the potatoes brown beautifully in the oven.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
The beef mixture should simmer for about 5 minutes before being transferred to the casserole dish.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
How much thyme is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of thyme.
How much sage is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of sage.
Is there a specific oil recommended for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil, though a specific type is not mandated.
Should I drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, you should drain excess grease but leave a small amount in the pan to sauté the vegetables.
What is the first step in making the mashed potatoes?
The potatoes should be boiled before they are mashed and mixed with butter or bacon fat.
How do I know when the Cottage Pie is finished cooking?
It is ready when the potato top is golden brown and crusty.
Can I use bouillon instead of liquid stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either beef stock or bouillon.
How many onions are required?
The recipe requires 2 onions.
How much parsley is added?
You should use 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
What type of dish is needed for baking?
An ovenproof casserole dish should be used.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar.