Ultimate Cheesy Cottage Pie
Indulge in the Ultimate Cheesy Cottage Pie, a comforting classic that features a rich ground beef filling simmered in a flavorful wine-infused sauce, layered beneath a heavenly topping of creamy mashed potatoes enriched with mature cheddar and parmesan. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, bringing warmth and heartiness to your table. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors in every bite, making this cottage pie a recipe to treasure.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 large (chopped)
celery
2 stalks (finely chopped)
carrots
2 (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (finely chopped)
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (none)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
3-4 drops (none)
Tabasco sauce
3-4 drops (none)
red wine
1 cup (none)
beef stock
1 cup (or chicken stock)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
potatoes
3 lbs (peeled and chopped)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
mature cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and diced carrot, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until they soften, avoiding browning.
3
Add finely chopped garlic to the pan, reduce the heat slightly, and continue cooking until all vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes.
4
Increase the heat again and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned all over.
5
Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. Pour in the red wine and beef stock, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
While the meat simmers, peel and chop the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until soft, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
7
Mash the potatoes with milk until smooth and creamy, and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated cheddar and parmesan for an extra cheesy finish.
8
In a large gratin dish, layer the meat mixture evenly on the bottom. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the top, ensuring a thick, even layer.
9
Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the mashed potatoes, and place the dish in the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, paired with seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Cottage Pie?
It is a comforting classic dish featuring a rich ground beef filling in a wine-infused sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes enriched with mature cheddar and parmesan cheese.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of meat is used in this cottage pie?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef.
How long does the cottage pie need to bake?
The dish should be baked for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
What vegetables are included in the beef filling?
The filling includes one large chopped onion, two finely chopped celery stalks, and two diced carrots.
Does the recipe use wine?
Yes, it uses 1 cup of red wine to flavor the beef sauce.
What types of cheese are used in the potato topping?
The recipe uses mature cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
How many pounds of potatoes are required?
You will need 3 lbs of potatoes, which should be peeled and chopped.
Can I use chicken stock instead of beef stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of beef stock or chicken stock.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, which typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
You will need 3 finely chopped garlic cloves.
Is there a spicy element in this cottage pie?
Yes, the recipe includes 3-4 drops of Tabasco sauce for a hint of heat.
What is the role of tomato paste in this dish?
One tablespoon of tomato paste is stirred into the browned beef to add depth and richness to the sauce.
How long does the meat mixture simmer?
The meat mixture should simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How much milk is added to the mashed potatoes?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of milk to make the potatoes smooth and creamy.
What kind of dish should I use for assembly?
You should use a large gratin dish to layer the meat and potato mixtures.
Should the vegetables be browned while sautéing?
No, you should sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until they soften, specifically avoiding browning.
What seasonings are used for the meat and potatoes?
Both the meat and the potatoes are seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What should I serve with the cottage pie?
It is recommended to serve the pie hot, paired with seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 3-4 drops of Worcestershire sauce.
When should I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the garlic after the other vegetables have softened (about 5 minutes), then cook for another 3 minutes.
How do I ensure a cheesy topping?
Stir cheddar and parmesan into the mash, then sprinkle any remaining cheese over the top before baking.
How do I layer the cottage pie?
Layer the meat mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish, then spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the top in a thick, even layer.
Should I let the pie cool after baking?
Yes, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is the parmesan cheese freshly grated?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What is the texture of the mashed potatoes?
The mashed potatoes should be mashed with milk until they are smooth and creamy.
How much cheddar cheese is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of grated mature cheddar cheese.
What are the key flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory, hearty, and rich, combining beef, wine, and a cheesy potato topping.
Is this a good recipe for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.