Crafting Comfort: Steps to Make a Scrumptious Cottage Pie from Scratch

 Crafting Comfort: Steps to Make a Scrumptious Cottage Pie from Scratch

There's nothing like a warm and hearty cottage pie to fill your belly and warm your soul on a cold winter's day. Cottage pie is a traditional British dish that consists of minced meat cooked in a rich gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. It's easy to make, budget-friendly, and delicious!

In this blog post, I'll show you how to make a scrumptious cottage pie from scratch, using simple ingredients and easy steps. You'll be amazed by how satisfying and comforting this dish is, and how much your family will love it!

Here's what you'll need:

- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 500 grams of lean ground beef

- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 2 cups of beef stock

- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots

- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

- 1/4 cup of butter

- 1/4 cup of milk

- 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese

Here's what you'll do:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.

3. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for about 10 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

4. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Stir in the peas and carrots.

5. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and return to the pot. Add the butter, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper and mash until smooth and creamy.

6. Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread them gently to cover the beef mixture completely. Use a fork to create some ridges on the surface of the potatoes.

7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling.

8. Enjoy your scrumptious cottage pie with some crusty bread or a green salad on the side.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and learned how to make a scrumptious cottage pie from scratch. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in with your loved ones, or for serving a crowd on special occasions. It's one of my favorite comfort foods, and I'm sure it will become one of yours too!