Classic Cottage Pie with Sliced Potatoes

This is a traditional recipe for Cottage Pie with Sliced Potatoes, a hearty dish with layers of sliced potatoes on top of a flavorful beef filling. This recipe is filling, substantial, and ideal for a family meal!

Traditional Cottage Pie with Potato Slices

Ingredients

Regarding the Filling:

• One pound of ground lamb, beef, or a combination
• One medium onion, cut finely
• Two diced carrots
• Two minced garlic cloves
• One cup of optional frozen peas
• Two tablespoons of tomato paste
• One cup of beef broth
• One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• The dried thyme, one teaspoon
• One teaspoon of optional dried rosemary
• To taste, add salt and pepper.
• Two teaspoons of olive oil

Regarding the potato topping:

• Four to five medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup of milk
• Three tablespoons of butter without salt
• To taste, add salt and pepper.
• Half a cup of shredded cheese (optional; adds flavor)

Directions

Get the filling ready:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped carrots and onion for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are tender.
• Cook for a further one to two minutes, or until aromatic, after adding the minced garlic.
• Raise the heat to medium-high, add the ground lamb or beef, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until browned and easily broken up with a spatula.
• Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. If using, stir in the frozen peas.
• Get the potato topping ready.
• Put the cut potatoes in a big pot and cover with cold water while the filling cooks.
• Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are just soft but not cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. After draining, allow to cool somewhat.

Put the Pie Together:

• Set the oven temperature to 400°F, or 200°C.
• Evenly distribute the meat filling in the bottom of a baking dish that has been oiled.
• Over the filling, place the sliced potatoes in a slightly overlapping arrangement. If you’d like, you can also make a decorative design.
• Melt the butter and milk together in a small pot. Season with salt and pepper after brushing the mixture over the potato slices. Sprinkle cheese on top if using.

Bake:

• The potatoes should be cooked through and golden brown after 30 to 40 minutes of baking in a preheated oven.

Serve:

• Before serving, allow the cottage pie to cool for a few minutes. Savor your filling lunch!

Advice

• Meat Variations: For a lighter option, you can also use ground chicken or turkey.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms in place of the meat.
• Add More Veggies: For added taste and nutrition, feel free to incorporate other veggies, such bell peppers or corn, into the filling.
• Make Ahead: The potato topping and filling can be made a day ahead of time. When ready to serve, assemble and bake.

Any occasion calls for this hearty recipe, Classic Cottage Pie with Sliced Potatoes. Have fun!