the Best Cottage Pie Recipe

The Best Cottage Pie

A very homely and comforting meal that makes an extremely tasty supper! Delicious!!

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

500g lean minced beef

Freshly ground salt & pepper

1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled & finely chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled & finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

2 tbsp tomato puree

200ml of Guinness beer

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

300ml chicken stock

1kg white potatoes, peeled and cut into even sizes

50g butter

100g mature cheddar cheese grated

1 large egg yolk

Freshly grated parmesan for the topping

Method

1.  Heat half of the oil in a heavy based large pan on a medium heat.  Season the mince and fry half until brown all over.  Put into a colander aside to drain the fat from the meat, repeat with the remaining mince. 

2.  Add the remainder of the olive oil to a large pan and place on a medium heat.  When hot fry the onions, garlic, carrots and thyme for 8-10 minutes until soft and golden.  Add the browned mince and tomato puree, stir constantly for 4-5 minutes.

3.  Add the Guinness and Worcestershire sauce and boil until the liquid has been reduced by half.  Pour in the stock and return to the boil.  Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the mixture is thick and glossy. 

4.  Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6.  Meanwhile, add the potatoes to a pan of salted water bring the pan to the boil and cook until tender.  Dry out the potatoes in a hot pan for 15-20 seconds.  Pass the potatoes through a potatoes ricer or mash smoothly, mix in the butter, cheese and egg yolk.  Season to taste.

5.  Spoon the mince mixture into a 1.5 litre oven proof dish.  Spoon the mashed potato on top and rough the surface with a folk.  Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

Cooks Tips

v  You can replace the Guinness with red wine.