Easy Cottage Pie Recipe for a Cold Winter’s Eve

Warm yourself up on a cold Winter’s eve with this classic British dish. Our easy to make Cottage Pie is the perfect comforting dinner for those darker nights, and with a delicious taste and nutrition, it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Cook this recipe to eat straight away, prepare it in a slow cooker or batch cook and freeze it for when you want something quick and easy.

This recipe serves 5.

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 700g Beef Mince
• 1 Onions (finely chopped)
• 2 Carrots (thinly chopped)
• 2 Sticks of Celery (chopped)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
• 1.5 tbsp Plain Flour
• 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
• 1 Can Chopped Tomatoes
• 300ml Beef Stock
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 Thyme Sprigs
• 1 Bay Leaf

For the Mash

• 900g Potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 115ml Milk
• 15g Butter
• 100g Strong Cheddar (grated)

1. Heat 1tbsp of olive oil in a large saucepan and add in the finely chopped garlic, chopped of onion 2 chopped carrots and the 2 chopped celery sticks and cook until the garlic has gone golden and onions have gone soft.
2. Add in the other 1tbsp of olive oil and fry your beef mince with the veg until it has browned.
3. Sprinkle in 3 tbsp of plain flour, the can of chopped tomatoes and 1 tbsp of tomato puree, increase the heat and cook for a few minutes. Make sure the flour doesn’t clump.
4. Drop in 2 tbsp of Worcestershire Sauce, the thyme sprig, bay leaf and 300ml beef stock.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered for 45 minutes. After this time your mixture should be thick, if a lot of liquid remains, increase the heat slightly. Season well and then discard the bay leaf and thyme.
6. Whilst your mixture is cooking, it’s time to make the mash. In a large saucepan, cover the 900g potatoes in salted, cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
7. Drain the water and allow the potatoes to steam-dry for a few minutes. Mash well with the 115ml milk and 15g butter. Mix in 50g Cheese and season with salt and pepper.
8. Spoon your meat mixture into an ovenproof dish and spoon over your mash. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Heat your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and cook for 25-30 mins, or until the topping is golden.

This easy Cottage Pie recipe is wonderful for feeding the whole family. Add in extra veggies, red wine or extra cheese, this recipe can be made step-by-step or measured by the heart. Tuck in and enjoy an evening cosied up on your favourite HSL Chair.

For more recipes check out our Feel Good Hub, or why not try…

·         Our Warming Winter Cinnamon Rolls

·         Christmas Gingerbread Men Cookies

·         Heart One-Pot Chicken Casserole

Can this be made in the slow cook?

Yes. To cook in the slow cooker, brown your mince beforehand and add everything to your bowl. Mix well and cook on high for 4-5 hours, making the mash separately and oven cooking to finish.

What’s the difference between cottage and shepherd’s pie?

Simple! Cottage pie is made with beef mince, whilst shepherd’s pie is made with lamb mince.

Can you freeze cottage pie?

Yes, cottage pie freezes very well. Follow every step up until placing your pie into the oven, let everything cool down and wrap well. Your pie can last up to 3 months in the freezer, when you’re ready to it, let it defrost over night then cook in the oven as instructed above.

What should I serve with my cottage pie?

Cottage pie can be served on its own, paired with steamed broccoli, peas and green beans, or even something like buttered Soda bread.