This cozy Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening. It is made with rich, savory minced beef, tender vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy mash potato topping. The result is a hearty, deeply flavorful, and perfectly satisfying main course that is great for a family dinner and serves 6 people.
Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 500g minced beef
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 400ml beef stock
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheesy Mash:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 50g butter
- 75ml milk
- 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
How To Make Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash
- Prepare the filling base: In a large, deep frying pan or flameproof casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Brown the beef: Turn the heat up to high and add the minced beef to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned all over. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Create the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the tomato purée, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and prepare for baking: Cover the pan with a lid and let the filling simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to deepen. Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F.
- Make the cheesy mash: While the filling is simmering, place the potato chunks in a large saucepan of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the hot pan. Mash them until smooth, then beat in the butter, milk, and half of the grated cheddar cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon the beef filling into a large ovenproof dish. Top with the cheesy mash, spreading it evenly and creating a decorative pattern with a fork. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the mash. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden, crisp, and the filling is bubbling. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Drain the Beef: After browning the minced beef, draining the excess fat is important to prevent the final dish from being too greasy.
- Simmer for Flavor: The longer you let the beef filling simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If you have time, let it cook on low heat for an hour for a truly rich result.
- Make Smooth Mash: To get the smoothest mash, make sure your potatoes are hot when you add the butter and milk. A potato ricer or masher works best for a lump-free texture.
- Cheese Matters: Using a mature or strong cheddar cheese for the topping and the mash adds a fantastic, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef.
What To Serve With Cottage Pie
A classic cottage pie is a meal in itself. However, it pairs perfectly with some simple steamed green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or peas to add a fresh, vibrant contrast. A side of pickled red cabbage also works wonderfully to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese.
How To Store Cottage Pie Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Let the cottage pie cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot all the way through.
- Freeze: Cottage pie freezes excellently. Cool the dish completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the dish (approximate)
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 33g
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie? The main difference is the meat. Cottage pie is traditionally made with beef, while shepherd’s pie is made with lamb. This recipe uses minced beef, so it is a cottage pie.
- Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or peas to the filling. Add them along with the carrots and celery to make a more rustic and hearty pie.
- How do I get a golden crust? To get a perfect golden crust, make sure your oven is hot enough. You can also brush the top of the mash with a little melted butter before baking. Using a fork to create ridges in the mash also helps the topping get crisp.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Recipe
Description
The Hairy Bikers’ Cottage Pie is a classic comfort food recipe featuring a rich minced beef and vegetable filling, topped with a creamy and delicious cheesy mash potato crust. A perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté: Cook onion, carrots, and celery. Add minced beef and brown.
- Simmer: Stir in flour, tomato purée, stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for at least 20 minutes.
- Mash: Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, milk, and half the cheese.
- Assemble & Bake: Spoon filling into a dish, top with mash, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 200°C/400°F for 25-30 minutes.
