Impress Your Dinner Guests with This Classic Cottage Pie Recipe

Warm Up Your Soul with This Traditional Cottage Pie Recipe

If you are looking for a hearty and delicious meal, Cottage Pie is the perfect option. This classic British dish is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for many. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about Cottage Pie, including its history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions on how to make it.

About Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie is a traditional British dish that originated in the 18th century. It was originally called “shepherd’s pie,” as it was made with leftover roasted lamb or mutton from Sunday’s dinner. The dish was then later adapted to use beef instead of lamb, and “cottage pie” was born. The name “cottage” comes from the fact that it was a popular dish amongst rural workers who lived in cottages.

Ingredients

To make a delicious Cottage Pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until they are tender. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine.
4. Return the beef to the skillet, and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the Cottage Pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cottage Pie

• Use ground beef with a higher fat content for a juicier Cottage Pie.
• Use a mix of potatoes, such as Russet and Yukon Gold, for the mashed potatoes. This will give the dish a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• If you want to save time, use store-bought mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch.