Cottage Pie

2019-05-09 15:47

Easily my wife's favourite, I've always preferred Cottage pie to Shepherds pie for some reason. Usually makes enough to serve 4 people, though if you're used to smaller portions than me you may get more out of it.

NB: Most of the alcohol boils off, leaving just the flavour

Cooking Time

Prep Cooking Total
30 mins 30 mins 1 hour

Ingredients

  • One Punnet of Lean Beef Steak Mince (approx 500g)
  • Potatoes (3 or 4)
  • Frozen Baby Carrots (about 10)
  • Onion and Chive Mix
  • Half an onion
  • A glass of Port
  • A glass of Milk
  • A dollop of Butter/Margarine
  • Garlic
  • Dried basil
  • A Tin of Chopped Tomatoes (optional)
  • Mushrooms (approx 7 large) optional
  • A Small lump of cheese (optional)

Method

  1. First Defrost the Baby Carrots and chop them into round bits. Set these aside for later
  2. Chop the garlic (to taste) and set aside for later
  3. Chop the Mushrooms into slices and set aside
  4. Place a little cooking oil in the bottom of a frying ban and cook the onions until golden brown
  5. Add the Lean Steak mince and cook until browned
  6. Sprinkle some dried Basil over the entire mixture
  7. Mix in the tinned tomatoes (if you are using them)
  8. Add the mushrooms,
  9. Simmer until the tinned tomatoe juice has thickened.
  10. Pour the Port into the bottom of your Pyrex Dish
  11. Place the cooked mixture into the bottom of the dish, do not fill more than 3/4's
  12. Smooth the top of the mixture to give a flat top.
  13. Chop the potatoes into halves
  14. Boil the Potatoes
  15. Whilst they are boilign Grate the cheese
  16. Drain, then place back in the pan (remove from Hob)
  17. Add a knob of butter, the milk and begin to mash
  18. once the potatoes have softened add a liberal portion of Onion and Chive mix.
  19. Add the Cheese (if you are using)
  20. Mash and mix together
  21. Ensure the mash does not end up too runny, or hard it needs a bit of viscosity
  22. Spread the mash over the top of the Meat Mixture
  23. Garnish with a sprinkling of dried basil
  24. Preheat the oven to between 180-200 degrees C
  25. Place the Pyrex Dish uncovered on the middle shelf
  26. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the potato is golden brown
  27. Allow to stand for 2-3 minutes
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