Homemade Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash

deiv3

March 5

Creating a homemade Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash is a comforting endeavor, merging the heartiness of a meaty filling with the creamy, indulgent delight of cheesy mashed potatoes. This dish is a staple of home cooking, offering a warm, satisfying meal that's perfect for cozy evenings. Below, we'll go through a recipe that elevates the classic cottage pie with a rich, cheesy mash topping, blending traditional flavors with a cheesy twist.

This Homemade Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash is a quintessential comfort food dish, embodying the warmth and heartiness of traditional home-cooked meals. The meat filling is rich and flavorful, with the ground beef tenderly cooked with onions, carrots, and celery, then simmered in a savory broth infused with herbs and Worcestershire sauce. The addition of peas adds a sweet pop of color and a fresh contrast to the meaty base.

The true star of the dish, however, is the luxurious cheesy mash that crowns the pie. Made with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes and enriched with a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese, it adds a decadent, velvety layer that perfectly complements the robust filling beneath. Once baked, the cheese in the mash creates a beautifully golden and crispy top layer, while the inside remains irresistibly soft and creamy.

This dish not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the soul, making it an ideal meal for gatherings, special occasions, or simply a comforting night in. Its nutritional profile offers a good balance of proteins, fats, and carbs, making it a fulfilling standalone meal. The Homemade Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, coming together to create a dish that's much more than the sum of its parts—a truly comforting classic that never fails to please.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil1 large onion, finely chopped2 carrots, diced2 celery stalks, diced2 garlic cloves, minced1.5 pounds ground beef (or lamb for Shepherd's Pie)2 tablespoons tomato paste1 cup beef or vegetable broth1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon dried rosemarySalt and pepper to taste1 cup frozen peas

For the Cheesy Mash:

2.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered1/4 cup butter1/2 cup heavy cream1 cup shredded cheddar cheeseSalt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Meat Filling:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.Stir in the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

Cheesy Mash:

Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and cream, mashing until smooth and creamy.Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling and Baking:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Spoon the meat filling into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly.Top with the cheesy mash, spreading it out in an even layer.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the mash is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Calories: 600

Fat: 35g

Carbohydrates: 45

gFiber: 5g

Protein: 30g