How to make Cottage Pie

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Turkey is leaner, while pork is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine can be more budget-friendly.

Cook the onion in the olive oil in a medium to large pan over a medium heat for for 5-7 minutes until soft.

Add the carrot and celery and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Turn the heat up and add the beef then cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Turn the heat down and stir in the flour and tomato puree. Pour in the red wine and beef stock and add the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme and rosemary, if using. Season with salt and pepper and then simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the mince from catching on the bottom of the pan.

Spoon into 20 x 30cm (8 x 11 inch) baking dish and leave to cool.

Preheat the oven to 180℃ fan / 200℃ / 400℉.

Cook the peeled and cubed potatoes in boiling salted water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well then return back to the pan. Steam dry (no heat) for 30 seconds. Add butter, milk and salt and mash until smooth.

Spoon the potato on top of the meat, flatten out with a spoon to the edges of the dish, then rough the top with fork. Dot with 2 teaspoons butter and bake for 25-30 minutes until piping hot throughout.

Stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens