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Cottage pie recipe UK

There’s nothing more comforting than a hearty cottage pie – a famous British dish made with rich, savoury minced beef, better with creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you're looking for a traditional cottage pie recipe, a vegetarian type, or even a slow cooker method, we have got you covered. Cottage pie is a British best-loved dish, traditionally made with beef cooked in a rich sauce with onions, carrots, and herbs, then better with crushed potatoes and baked until golden. The main difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie is that shepherd's pie uses lamb.

Famous Cottage Pie Recipe (UK Style)

Ingredients: 

For the filling:

• 500g beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots,
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 300ml beef
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the crushed potato topping:

• 1kg potatoes
• 50g butter
• 100ml milk
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Grated cheddar cheese

Procedure:

1. Get Ready, Filling

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Mix the onion, carrots, and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes until soft.
• Mix the beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Stir in the tomato purée, sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Powder over the flour, mix well, then steam. Bubble for 15-20 minutes until thick.

2. Crushed Potato Topping

• Crush the potatoes, then boil in salted water for 20 minutes until warm.
• Unload, then mash milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and good.

3. Collect and Bake

• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• Spread the beef blend in an ovenproof dish.
• Spoon the crushed potatoes on top.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese for extra flavour.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
• Vegetarian Cottage Pie
• For a meat-free version, swap the beef with 250g cooked or soya mince. Use vegetable stock and a vegan Worcestershire sauce alternative.

Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

• Brown the mince and veggies as above, then transfer to a slow cooker with the stock and herbs.
• Cook on low for 5 hours.
• Top with potatoes and grill in the oven for a crispy finish.

Health Benefits of Cottage Pie

1. Protein

Beef is an excellent source of complete protein, providing all the necessary amino acids for muscle repair and energy. Vegetarian versions with lentils also offer plant-based protein while maintaining energy levels.

2. Make with Vegetables

The perfect onions, carrots, and garlic add: Fibre, Vitamin A & Antioxidants.

3. Iron-Rich

Beef is high in iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, helping prevent iron deficiency. Lentils provide iron paired with vitamin C for better absorption.

4. Healthy Potatoes

Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing more energy. Leave the skins on for extra fibre.

Conclusion

This easy cottage pie recipe is a promise crowd-pleaser – perfect for our Sunday roasts. Whether you stick to the famous beef version, it’s comfort food at its best.