The Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie is a comforting British classic with a modern twist. Featuring a hearty minced beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or as a make-ahead meal. With Jamie Oliver’s touch, the recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients and a rich depth of flavor.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie?
Jamie Oliver’s cottage pie is a traditional recipe that combines ground beef cooked in a flavorful gravy with carrots, onions, and herbs. The filling is topped with a thick layer of mashed potatoes, sometimes enhanced with grated cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic and comforting: A warm and hearty dish for any season.
- Easy to make: These are straightforward steps with simple ingredients.
- Kid-friendly: A family favorite that’s always a hit.
- Perfect for meal prep: Freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Versatile: Customize the ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie
For the Filling:
- Minced beef (500g): The base of the filling.
- Onions (2 medium, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Celery (2 sticks, diced): Optional, for extra flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory kick.
- Tomato purée (1 tablespoon): Enhances the gravy’s richness.
- Beef stock (300ml): Creates the savory sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and umami.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped): For aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury potatoes work best for a fluffy mash.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness.
- Milk (75ml): Creates creamy mashed potatoes.
- Grated cheese (optional, 50g): For a golden topping.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet: For cooking the filling.
- Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
- Ovenproof dish: For assembling the pie.
- Potato masher: To prepare the mashed potatoes.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 8–10 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the gravy
- Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Pour in the beef stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Make the mashed potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Assemble the cottage pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in an ovenproof dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and smooth with a fork. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese over the mash.
Step 5: Bake the cottage pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with steamed greens or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie
- Steamed green beans: Adds freshness and color.
- Roasted root vegetables: Complements the rich flavors.
- Crisp green salad: Lightens the dish.
- Pickled red cabbage: Provides a tangy contrast.
- Crusty bread: Ideal for soaking up the gravy.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie
- Use fresh herbs: Thyme or rosemary enhances the flavor of the filling.
- Don’t rush the gravy: Allowing the filling to simmer ensures rich and concentrated flavors.
- Fluff the mash: Use a fork to create peaks in the mashed potatoes for a crispy top.
- Add vegetables: Experiment with peas, sweetcorn, or mushrooms for variety.
- Use leftovers: Cottage pie tastes even better the next day.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie
- Vegetarian version: Swap the beef for lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based mince.
- Cheesy mash: Mix grated cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Sweet potato topping: Substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter dish.
- Spicy kick: Add chili powder or smoked paprika to the filling for warmth.
- Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until thoroughly heated.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s cottage pie?
Yes, cottage pie freezes well. Assemble the pie without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking into the filling?
Allow the filling to cool slightly before adding the mashed potatoes. This helps create a firmer base and prevents the topping from mixing with the filling.
Can I make cottage pie vegetarian?
Yes, replace the minced beef with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based mince for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable stock to maintain the rich flavor.
What is the best type of potato for the mash topping?
Floury potatoes like Maris Piper or Russets are ideal for mashed potato topping as they create a light and fluffy texture.
Final Words
The Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or enjoying as a make-ahead meal. With its rich filling and golden mashed potato topping, this classic pie is sure to become a favorite.
Ready to dive into a comforting British classic? Try this recipe today and savor every bite!
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Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s cottage pie is a traditional recipe that combines ground beef cooked in a flavorful gravy with carrots, onions, and herbs. The filling is topped with a thick layer of mashed potatoes, sometimes enhanced with grated cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Minced beef (500g): The base of the filling.
- Onions (2 medium, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Celery (2 sticks, diced): Optional, for extra flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory kick.
- Tomato purée (1 tablespoon): Enhances the gravy’s richness.
- Beef stock (300ml): Creates the savory sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and umami.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped): For aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury potatoes work best for a fluffy mash.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness.
- Milk (75ml): Creates creamy mashed potatoes.
- Grated cheese (optional, 50g): For a golden topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 8–10 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the gravy
- Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Pour in the beef stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Make the mashed potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Assemble the cottage pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in an ovenproof dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and smooth with a fork. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese over the mash.
Step 5: Bake the cottage pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with steamed greens or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
