Cottage Pie is a beloved British classic known for its comforting, hearty flavours. It's the ultimate comfort food for the autumn season, made with rich minced beef, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked to perfection.
In celebration of British Food Fortnight, we're sharing our take on this traditional dish using the finest ingredients from Parson’s Nose.
Ingredients you will need:
For the filling:
500g Parson's Nose minced beef
Olive oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
300ml beef stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
For the mashed potato top:
1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
100g grated cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
Salt and pepper to taste
50g butter
100ml whole milk
Method
1. Prepare the filling:
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced beef and brown it for 5-7 minutes, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Add a little more oil if needed in the same pan, and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Return the browned beef to the pan, and add the Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and beef stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the mashed potato topping:
While the filling simmers, boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes or until soft. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. For an extra indulgent topping, stir in grated cheddar cheese.
3. Assemble the pie:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Transfer the beef filling to a large ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly across the base. Spoon the mashed potato over the filling, using a fork to create a textured surface that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
4. Bake:
Bake the cottage pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and crispy. If you’re using cheese, allow it to melt and turn golden during baking.
5. Serve:
Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with seasonal vegetables like peas or green beans for a wholesome British feast.
This Cottage Pie is a simple yet satisfying dish for celebrating British Food Fortnight with family and friends. You can enjoy this classic with a truly rich, authentic flavour with premium-quality minced beef from Parson's Nose. Ready to try it at home? Shop for all your British beef and more in our online store and create a comforting meal that’s perfect for the season!
Don’t forget you can shop in-store at any of our stores in Fulham, South Kensington, Putney and Selfridges. As an online butcher, you can also take advantage of our nationwide delivery and have our quality meats and produce straight to your door, shop here.
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