Ultimate Cottage Pie Delight
Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this Ultimate Cottage Pie Delight. This hearty dish blends tender ground beef with a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes that form a beautifully golden crust, this dish not only warms the heart but also satisfies the soul. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, feel free to enhance the filling with your favorite veggies for added flavor and nutrition. Simple to prepare and sure to impress, this cottage pie is destined to become a beloved favorite in your home.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooking oil
1.5 tablespoons (None (for cooking))
onions
2, finely chopped (Chop finely)
garlic
1 teaspoon (optional) (Minced)
carrot
1 large, diced (Dice)
mushrooms
4 ounces, diced (Dice)
lean ground beef
1.5 lbs (None (for browning))
beef stock
0.5 pint (Use directly)
Worcestershire sauce
2-3 teaspoons (Use directly)
tomato puree
1 tablespoon (Use directly)
bay leaf
1, dried (Use whole)
Provençal herbs
1 teaspoon (Use directly)
mashed potatoes
1.5 lbs (Cook and mash)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon, chopped (Chop)
milk
2 tablespoons (Use directly)
salt
to taste (Season as needed)
pepper
to taste (Season as needed)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, diced carrot, garlic (if using), and mushrooms. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2
Increase the heat slightly and add the lean ground beef to the pan. Use a fork to break up the meat, stirring it until it is browned and no longer pink.
3
Pour in the beef stock, then add Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, bay leaf, Provençal herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened and reduced. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring to an ovenproof pie dish.
5
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the diced potatoes along with the remaining chopped onion until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6
Mash the potatoes until smooth. Stir in the milk, chopped parsley, and season with pepper and salt to taste.
7
Spread the creamy mashed potato evenly over the cooled meat filling in the pie dish, creating a nice seal.
8
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the cottage pie in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the potato topping is golden brown and crisp.
9
Serve hot, accompanied by your choice of cooked vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
10
For an extra-gourmet twist, consider mixing in some grated cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading it on the pie.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
30g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Cottage Pie Delight?
It is a hearty comfort food dish featuring tender ground beef and vegetables in a savory sauce, topped with a golden mashed potato crust.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
How long should the cottage pie bake?
The pie should bake for 30-35 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (400°F).
Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can enhance the filling with your favorite vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make the potato topping extra gourmet?
Consider mixing some grated cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the pie.
What type of stock is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 0.5 pint of beef stock to create the savory sauce.
How long does the meat mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
What vegetables are included in the base recipe?
The base recipe includes onions, carrots, garlic, and mushrooms.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 13g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this cottage pie?
Each serving contains 7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
What herbs are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with a bay leaf and Provençal herbs.
How do I prepare the potatoes for the topping?
Boil diced potatoes and onions for 15-20 minutes until tender, then mash them with milk and parsley.
What gives the sauce its savory flavor?
A combination of beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato puree creates the rich sauce.
Should the meat filling be hot when adding the potatoes?
It is recommended to let the meat filling cool slightly before transferring it to the pie dish and adding the potatoes.
What should I serve with this cottage pie?
It is best served hot with a side of your choice of cooked vegetables.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
Use 2-3 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What is the role of the tomato puree?
The tomato puree helps thicken the sauce and adds a layer of depth to the savory beef filling.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The instructions specify dicing the potatoes; peeling them is standard for achieving a smooth creamy mash.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 onions, finely chopped, for the filling and potato mix.
Can I use a different type of oil for sautéing?
Yes, any standard cooking oil can be used to sauté the vegetables.
Is garlic a mandatory ingredient?
No, the garlic is listed as optional.
How many mushrooms are needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of diced mushrooms.
What is the texture of the potato topping?
The topping is creamy on the inside and becomes golden brown and crisp on the outside after baking.
Should I remove the bay leaf before baking?
Yes, it is best practice to remove the bay leaf after the sauce has finished simmering.
How do I ensure the meat is properly cooked?
Brown the meat over increased heat until it is no longer pink before adding the liquid ingredients.