-1 tbsp sunflower oil
-1 med onion, peeled and chopped
-2 carrots, peeled and diced
-500g minced beef
-250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
-2 level tbsp plain flour
-400g can chopped tomatoes
-1 beef stock cube
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper
-Dash of Worcestershire sauce
-450g mashed potato
-Knob of butter
- In a saute pan or large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have begun to soften.
- Add the beef to the pan and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring to break up the meat, until it browns. Once the meat is crumbly, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking and burning, but avoid over-stirring as it can cool the mixture and hinder the browning process. Allowing the meat to brown enhances its flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and mix it in thoroughly. Cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flour to cook and absorb the fat released from the meat, which will help thicken the sauce. Stirring well during this process ensures that the flour is evenly distributed and fully cooked, resulting in a deliciously thickened sauce for the cottage pie.
- Add the canned tomatoes and crumble in the stock cube. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the vegetables become tender. If the sauce appears overly thick, you can add a little boiling water to achieve the desired consistency. Continual stirring during the simmering process helps to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan and ensures that the flavors meld together for a delicious result.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Stir the Worcestershire sauce into the minced meat, then spoon the mixture into a baking dish, and level the surface for even cooking.
- Beat the potato to soften it and spread over the mince. Score the surface with a fork and put butter on top.
- Bake in the center of the oven for about 20-30 mins, or until the pie is golden and the filling is bubbling. For a crisp, golden finish, sprinkle your cottage pie with lashings of cheddar cheese and pop it under the grill for a few minutes longer. Serve straight from the oven.
Cottage pie is a classic dish made with ground meat, typically beef or lamb, cooked in a rich sauce with vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes before being baked to a golden crust.
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