Mama's Classic Cottage Pie
This hearty cottage pie is the ultimate family comfort food. Made with a rich savoury mince base, wholesome peas and carrots, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy. You can make it traditional with beef or keep it vegetarian by swapping in veggie mince—perfect for a cosy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 grams beef mince or vegetarian mince for a meat-free version
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 150 grams frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp flour or gravy granules for extra flavour
- 300 ml vegetable stock
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- salt & pepper to taste
For the mashed potato
- 800 grams potatoes peeled and chopped
- 50 grams butter
- 100 ml milk can use plant-based milk
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a pan of salted water. Bring to the boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Cook the filling: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion and carrots, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the mince and cook until browned (if using veggie mince, just cook until heated through). Sprinkle over the flour or gravy granules, then stir in the tomato purée, soy sauce, and stock. Add the thyme if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 400°F). Spoon the mince mixture into an ovenproof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top, fluffing with a fork for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
Notes
✨ Tip for Vegan/Vegetarian Version
If you’d like to make this dish vegan or vegetarian, simply swap the mince for a plant-based version, and use your favourite dairy-free butter and milk for the mash. The result is just as hearty, wholesome, and delicious!
If you’d like to make this dish vegan or vegetarian, simply swap the mince for a plant-based version, and use your favourite dairy-free butter and milk for the mash. The result is just as hearty, wholesome, and delicious!