Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie Recipe - Traditional British Dish | Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Potatoes, Cheddar and More

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cottage Pie is a classic comfort food dish that consists of a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.

History

Cottage Pie originated in the United Kingdom and has been a popular dish for centuries. Traditionally, Cottage Pie was made with leftover meat, such as beef or lamb, mixed with vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes. The dish was a way to make use of leftovers and create a delicious and filling meal.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
1 onion, chopped
0.5 tbsp salt
0.13 tbsp pepper
0.13 tbsp marjoram
2 cups brown gravy
2 cups mashed potatoes
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter

How to prepare

Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet, then drain the excess fat.
Stir in the spices and gravy, and heat until the mixture starts to bubble.
Pour the mixture into a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish.
Stir the cheese into the mashed potatoes, then spread it on top of the meat mixture.
Dot the top with butter.
Bake the dish uncovered at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of Cottage Pie.
Add diced carrots, peas, or corn to the meat mixture for extra vegetables.
Use sweet potatoes or a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes for the mashed potato topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the ground beef and onion well to develop flavor.

- Season the meat mixture generously with salt, pepper, and herbs for a flavorful filling.

- Use a good quality brown gravy for added depth of flavor.

- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture to create a smooth and creamy topping.

- Dotting the mashed potatoes with butter before baking adds richness and helps the top brown nicely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cottage Pie with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground beef and onion adds flavor to the dish.

- Baking the Cottage Pie uncovered allows the mashed potatoes to brown and develop a crispy top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground lamb or turkey instead of ground beef for a different flavor.

- Use instant mashed potatoes if you're short on time.

Make Ahead Tips

Cottage Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cottage Pie in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Cottage Pie pairs well with a robust red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cottage Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 22g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Cottage Pie is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, butter)

Summary

Cottage Pie is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Cottage Pie is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a savory meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, this hearty dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Cottage Pie tucked away in an old, tattered cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but wonder about the history behind this humble dish.

Growing up in a small village in the English countryside, my great-grandmother was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. She would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing dishes for her family and friends. Cottage Pie was one of her signature dishes, loved by all who tasted it.

I remember watching her cook in the kitchen, her skilled hands moving with precision as she chopped vegetables, browned the meat, and mashed the potatoes. She would always say that the secret to a good Cottage Pie was in the seasoning – a pinch of salt here, a dash of pepper there, and a sprinkle of herbs for good measure.

As a young girl, I would often sit at her feet, mesmerized by the sights and smells coming from the stove. I would listen intently as she shared stories of her own mother teaching her how to cook, passing down recipes that had been in the family for generations.

One day, as I helped her prepare the Cottage Pie for dinner, she told me about the origins of the dish. She explained that Cottage Pie was a traditional English dish that dates back to the 18th century, when it was made with leftover meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes. The name "Cottage Pie" comes from the fact that it was a simple, rustic dish that could be easily made in a cottage kitchen.

My great-grandmother's version of Cottage Pie was a labor of love, made with care and attention to detail. She taught me how to layer the ingredients in the casserole dish – first the savory meat mixture, then the tender vegetables, and finally the creamy mashed potatoes. She showed me how to create a decorative pattern on top with a fork, ensuring that it would come out golden and crispy from the oven.

As the Cottage Pie baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, my great-grandmother and I would sit at the table, sipping tea and chatting about life. She would share stories of her youth, of hard times and happy memories, of family gatherings and celebrations.

When the timer finally rang, signaling that the Cottage Pie was ready, we would eagerly pull it out of the oven and serve generous portions to our family. The first bite was always met with smiles and nods of approval, as the rich flavors and comforting textures filled our mouths.

Over the years, I have made my great-grandmother's Cottage Pie countless times, each batch a tribute to her memory and the traditions she passed down to me. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, always proud to carry on the legacy of this beloved dish.

As I look back on those days in the kitchen with my great-grandmother, I am filled with gratitude for the time we spent together, the lessons she taught me, and the memories we created. Cottage Pie will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and heritage that runs deep in my family.

And so, I continue to cook, to create, to share the recipes and stories that have been handed down through the generations. For in each dish, in each bite, I taste the flavors of the past and the promise of the future. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking, passed down from my great-grandmother to me.