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A bubbling golden-crusted cottage pie in a ceramic baking dish.

Quick way to grow a Cottage Pie (Shepherd's Pie with Beef)

This quick and hearty cottage pie, also known as Shepherd's Pie with beef, is a comforting classic perfect for a satisfying meal. Featuring a rich beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it's an ideal dish for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Topping
  • 1 kg potatoes
  • 50 g butter
  • 100 ml milk
For the Filling
  • 500 g beef mince
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 300 ml beef stock

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • large ovenproof pan
  • potato masher

Method
 

Make the Topping
  1. Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Filling
  1. While the potatoes are cooking, brown the beef mince in a large ovenproof pan or casserole dish. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and diced carrots, cooking until softened.
Combine and Bake
  1. Stir in the beef stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Spread the mashed potato topping evenly over the beef filling, then bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef filling. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking will also add a lovely golden crust and tangy flavor.