Easy Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash
Who says comfort food can’t also be healthy? This Mary Berry’s inspired cottage pie recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also good for you. It’s made with plenty of healthy vegetables, and it’s a great way to warm up on a cold day. So why not give it a try? I’m sure you’ll love it!

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What is cottage pie?
Cottage pie is a meat pie typically made with beef and vegetables, though the term can also refer to dishes made with other types of meat or fish. The dish is thought to have originated in England and became popular in North America during the 19th century. Today, it is common comfort food in many parts of the world
There are many variations on cottage pie, but most recipes call for ground beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions cooked in a gravy or sauce. The mixture is then topped with a crust of mashed potatoes and baked until browned. Some recipes also include cheese or other ingredients in the filling or topping
Cottage pie is usually served hot and garnished with parsley or other vegetables. It can also be reheated and enjoyed later. Leftover cottage pie can also be frozen for up to three months.
Cottage pie is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for chilly winter days. If you are looking for a new recipe to try, why not give this classic a try? You won’t be disappointed!
What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
The main difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie is the type of meat used in the dish. Shepherds pie is typically made with lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef. Both dishes are otherwise fairly similar, though some recipes for cottage pie may include cheese or other ingredients in the filling or topping. Shepherd’s pie is thought to have originated in Scotland, while cottage pie is believed to have originated in England.
What to serve with cottage pie?
There are many different ways to enjoy cottage pie. It can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, green beans, peas or salad. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty and filling meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, cottage pie is sure to please!
How to make vegan cottage pie
This dish can be easily converted into a vegan cottage pie by substituting the meat with Quorn mince or green lentils and replacing the butter and meat stock with a vegan alternative. All measurements are the same as in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 1 Celery Stalk chopped
- 1 Carrot chopped
- 750 g Minced Beef
- 2 tsp Flour
- 300 ml Beef Stock
- 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Topping
- 750 g Potatoes Cut into chunks
- 30 g Butter
- 2 tbsp Hot Milk optional
- 125 g Cheddar Cheese grated – optional
How to make cottage pie
- Heat the oil in a deep wide frying pan and add the onion, celery and carrot and cook for 3 minutes. Add the minced beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Add the flour and stir for 1 minute. Add the stock, tomato puree, and Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper, and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in boiling water for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and add butter and milk. Mash together until soft. Stir in the cheese if you are using it and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the meat into an oven proof dish or several small ones.
- Top with the mashed potato and cook in a pre-heated oven at 180ยฐc fan/200ยฐc/Gas 6 for 30 minutes until the potato topping is golden brown.
Easy Comforting Cottage Pie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 1 Celery Stalk (chopped)
- 1 Carrot (chopped)
- 750 g Minced Beef
- 2 tsp Flour
- 300 ml Beef Stock
- 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Topping
- 750 g Potatoes (Cut into chunks)
- 30 g Butter
- 2 tbsp Hot Milk (optional)
- 125 g Cheddar Cheese (grated – optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep wide frying pan and add the onion, celery and carrot and cook for 3 minutes. Add the minced beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Add the flour and stir for 1 minute. Add the stock, tomato puree, and Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper, and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile cook the potatoes in boiling water for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and add butter and milk. Mash together until soft. Stir in the cheese if you are using and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the meat into an oven proof dish or several small ones.
- Top with the mashed potato and cook in a pre-heated oven at 180ยฐc fan/200ยฐc/Gas 6 for 30 minutes until the potato topping is golden brown.
I have been making this a lot, just love it, it’s comforting.
That’s wonderful to hear! I’m thrilled it’s become a regular in your kitchen. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!