Cheesy Beef and Potato Cottage Pie …

Cheesy Beef & Potato Cottage Pie 001

 

I love Cottage Pie … easy to make, delicious and packed with veggies … it’s one of those dishes that screams comfort food. I usually prepare the beef filling early in the morning, spoon it into a casserole dish or ramekins and then refrigerate. This makes it easier to spread the potato topping once the filling has had a chance to “set” in the fridge. Using only 500g mince, this dish is also kind on the budget.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Cottage Pie …
 
Author:
Ingredients ...
  • 500g mince (I used heart smart)
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 small capsicum, diced
  • 3 sticks celery, finely diced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 x 800g can crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 beef stock cubes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 x 410g can corn kernels
  • 4 – 5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk, approximately
  • 1 cup grated cheese
Method ...
  1. Add mince, onion, capsicum, celery and carrot to a large pot and stir until browned.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire Sauce, beef stock cube and basil and simmer gently for at least 30 minutes until some of the liquid has evaporated and the filling has thickened. Add corn and stir through.
  3. While beef filling is simmering, boil potatoes until tender and drain. Add butter and milk and mash until smooth.
  4. Spoon beef filling into single large casserole or smaller dishes or ramekins. Spread potato over top of beef filling. Potato is easier to spread if meat has been prepared and refrigerated and allowed to “set” for an hour or so or longer).
  5. Spread potato thickly over the top of the beef filling. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 180C for approximately 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve with some additional steamed vegetables.

 

 

Clever Tips, Tricks and Hints …

 

  • Double the above mixture for the beef filling and create more than one meal … one to eat now and one to freezer for later.

 

So tell me, what is one of your favourite “comfort food” dishes?

Comments

  1. I love mashed potato and soup and stews for comfort food but I think my mum’s dishes are the best for that sort of thing too so won ton soup and noodles 😀

  2. I agree that when you make this it’s good to make a double helping because this is a dish every member of the family will love. I make this for my family and there’s never any complaints from any age group xx

    • I agree Charlie, it’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy and I’m always rewarded with empty dishes and smiling faces when I serve this. I also make a chicken version with a cauliflower topping and I’ll share that recipe soon as well.