Cottage Pie

Ah yes—Cottage Pie 🥔🥩—classic, hearty, and comforting. Here’s a solid, traditional version:

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Cottage Pie

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 cup frozen peas

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional:

• Grated cheddar for topping

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Instructions

1. Cook potatoes:
   Boil in salted water until tender (15–20 min). Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare filling:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.

   • Add ground beef and cook until browned.

   • Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

   • Pour in beef broth and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

   • Stir in peas at the end.

3. Assemble pie:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.

   • Top with mashed potatoes, spreading smoothly or swirling with a fork.

   • Optional: sprinkle grated cheddar on top.

4. Bake:

   • Bake 20–25 minutes until top is golden and edges are bubbling.

5. Serve:

   • Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

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Pro Tips 🥔✨

• Extra creamy mash: add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.

• Vegetable variations: add corn, parsnips, or celery to the filling.

• Make ahead: assemble, cover, refrigerate, and bake later—perfect for meal prep.

• Crispy top: broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Cottage Pie is ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and perfect for cozy dinners.

I can also give a lighter, healthier version with sweet potatoes and extra veggies if you want. Do you want me to?