Cottage Pie Recipe, also known as shepherd’s pie, is a traditional British dish made with ground meat (typically beef or lamb) and vegetables, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The meat and vegetables are cooked together in a gravy or sauce, and the dish is then baked in the oven until the mashed potatoes are golden brown on top. The origins of the dish are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century as a way to use up leftovers from Sunday roast dinner. Cottage pie can be made with a variety of vegetables such as onion, garlic, carrots, peas, corn, which are cooked with the ground meat. Some recipe also calls for herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce to be added for additional flavor. Some variations also include cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. Cottage pie can be served on its own or with a side salad or green vegetables.

Here’s a recipe for a simple and delicious Cottage Pie Recipe

Cottage Pie Recipe

Cottage Pie Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cups of frozen peas
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups of mashed potatoes (can use pre-made or make your own)

Cottage Pie Recipe Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pan, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onions are translucent.
  4. Add the diced carrots and frozen peas to the pan and stir to combine.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and flour. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir to combine.
  6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
  7. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
  9. Bake the cottage pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown on top.

Serve it hot and enjoy!

Note: You can customize it according to your taste and preference.You can add more vegetables or cheese on top if you desire, or use a different type of meat such as ground chicken or turkey.

Read also: Ultimate roast potatoes Recipe

Cottage Pie Recipe Nutrition

The nutritional Cottage Pie Recipe will depend on the ingredients and recipe used, as well as the portion size. However, in general, cottage pie is a dish that is high in calories, protein, and carbohydrates, and may also be high in fat and sodium.

A serving of cottage pie made with 1 lb of ground beef, 4 cups of mashed potatoes and vegetables, will contain the following approximate nutrition:

  • Calories: 600-800
  • Protein: 30-40g
  • Carbohydrates: 60-70g
  • Fat: 25-35g
  • Sodium: 500-600mg

The mashed potatoes used in the dish provide a good source of carbohydrates, while the beef and vegetables in the dish provide a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, high-fat ground beef, butter and cheese might increase the calorie and fat content of the dish. It is important to take these nutritional aspects into account when incorporating cottage pie into your diet, and consider portion control or modifying recipe for better balance.

Conclusion

A conclusion for a Cottage Pie recipe might include some final thoughts or serving suggestions for the dish. Here are a few examples:

  • To add a crispy texture to the top of your cottage pie, consider broiling it for a few minutes before serving.
  • For a vegetarian version of the dish, replace the meat with a plant-based protein like lentils or quinoa.
  • Serve your cottage pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, comforting flavors of the dish.
  • Cottage pie makes a great freezer meal, you can make it in advance and store it in the freezer to have a quick and easy meal to serve on a busy night.
  • A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top of the mash potato can make it even more delicious

Please be aware that this conclusion is based on a standard recipe and might not be accurate with every variation of the recipe.