cottagepie

Cottage pie

  • Serves 4
  • Prep time: 20 mins | Cooking time: 45 minutes - 1 hour

This simple, family friendly recipe is loaded with vegetables and topped deliciously creamy mashed potatoes - the ultimate comfort food! This potato topped mince pie is delicious fresh, the next day or from frozen.

Ingredients

  • 4 potatoes, medium, peeled and chopped

  • 1/2 cup milk, reduced fat

  • 1 tbsp oil

  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped finely

  • 2 carrots, finely chopped or grated

  • 500 g beef mince

  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped

  • 2 courgettes, finely chopped or grated

  • 400 g can tomatoes, chopped

  • 2 tbsp tomato sauce

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1/4 cup cheese, grated (optional)

  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped

Video

Method

  1. Half fill a pot with water, add potatoes, bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a sharp knife.

  2. Drain, mash the potato with the milk, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and put aside.

  3. Heat a pan, add the oil, onion and carrots and cook for 5 - 10 minutes. Add the mince and stir-fry until brown. Add mushrooms, courgettes, tomatoes, water and tomato sauce and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add more water if the mixture becomes dry.

  4. Preheat the oven to 200ºC

  5. Place the mince mixture in a baking dish. Spread the potato over the top, sprinkle with grated cheese.

  6. Place in the oven and cook for 20 - 30 minutes until the potato is steaming hot and golden brown.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with a side of vegetables.

Tips

  • You can make it go further by adding a tin of lentils or extra vegetables into the mince as you cook it.
  • No courgettes or mushrooms? Swap in frozen mixed vegetables, peas, corn, pumpkin, or any leftover veges lurking in the fridge.
  • Skip the cheese: The cheese topping is optional, so leave it off if you're keeping costs down. The creamy potato topping is still delicious on its own.
  • Got leftovers? Cottage pie tastes just as good the next day. Serve leftovers with toast or a simple side salad for an easy work or school lunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or cool completely, then freeze in individual portions or as a whole pie for up to 3 months.