The Mary Berry Cottage Pie is a comforting and traditional dish featuring a savory minced meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This hearty, family-friendly recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week. With Mary Berry’s touch, it’s a straightforward yet delicious take on a classic British favorite.
What is Mary Berry Cottage Pie?
Mary Berry’s cottage pie is a traditional British dish made with a rich and flavorful minced beef filling cooked with onions, carrots, and a savory gravy. It is topped with a layer of buttery mashed potatoes that crisps up beautifully in the oven. This dish is often confused with shepherd’s pie, but the key difference is that cottage pie uses beef, while shepherd’s pie uses lamb.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: Warm, hearty, and satisfying.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for meal prep: Great for making ahead or freezing.
- Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cottage Pie
For the Filling:
- Minced beef (500g): The heart of the dish.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Beef stock (300ml): Creates a rich gravy.
- Tomato purée (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and depth.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Enhances the savory flavor.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the filling.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For cooking the meat and vegetables.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury varieties like Maris Piper work best.
- Butter (50g): For creaminess.
- Milk (50ml): To create smooth mashed potatoes.
- Cheddar cheese (optional, 50g grated): For a golden, crispy topping.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan: For cooking the filling.
- Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
- Ovenproof dish: For assembling and baking the pie.
- Potato masher: To prepare the mashed potatoes.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cottage Pie
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the gravy
- Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Stir well and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the mashed potato topping
- Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the cottage pie
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Transfer the beef mixture to an ovenproof dish and spread it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and smooth the surface with a fork. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the cottage pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Cottage Pie
- Steamed green beans: Adds freshness and crunch.
- Roasted vegetables: Complements the rich flavors.
- Crisp green salad: Balances the hearty dish.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the gravy.
- Pickled red cabbage: Provides a tangy contrast.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Cottage Pie
- Choose the right potatoes: Floury varieties create fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Don’t rush the gravy: Simmering allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Layer evenly: Spread the mashed potatoes smoothly to ensure even baking.
- Use leftovers creatively: Transform leftover cottage pie into a delicious sandwich or wrap filling.
- Freeze for later: Cottage pie freezes well and can be reheated for quick meals.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cottage Pie
- Vegetarian version: Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based mince instead of beef.
- Add herbs: Mix thyme or rosemary into the filling for extra flavor.
- Cheesy mash: Stir grated cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes to the filling for a kick.
- Root vegetable mash: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a twist.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Cottage Pie
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Cool the pie completely before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I freeze cottage pie?
Yes, cottage pie freezes well. Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Wrap tightly in foil or cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How do I stop mashed potatoes from sinking into the filling?
Let the filling cool slightly before adding the mashed potatoes. This creates a firmer base, preventing the mash from sinking.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the topping?
Yes, sweet potatoes make a delicious and nutritious alternative. Simply mash them as you would regular potatoes and use them as the topping.
What can I serve with cottage pie?
Cottage pie pairs well with steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or pickled red cabbage for added texture and flavor.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Cottage Pie is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with rich, savory flavors. Whether served as a family meal or made ahead for a busy week, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ready to enjoy a slice of British tradition? Try this recipe today and savor the warmth of homemade cottage pie!
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Mary Berry 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
Mary Berry’s cottage pie is a traditional British dish made with a rich and flavorful minced beef filling cooked with onions, carrots, and a savory gravy. It is topped with a layer of buttery mashed potatoes that crisps up beautifully in the oven. This dish is often confused with shepherd’s pie, but the key difference is that cottage pie uses beef, while shepherd’s pie uses lamb.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Minced beef (500g): The heart of the dish.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Beef stock (300ml): Creates a rich gravy.
- Tomato purée (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and depth.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Enhances the savory flavor.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the filling.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For cooking the meat and vegetables.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury varieties like Maris Piper work best.
- Butter (50g): For creaminess.
- Milk (50ml): To create smooth mashed potatoes.
- Cheddar cheese (optional, 50g grated): For a golden, crispy topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the gravy
- Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Stir well and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the mashed potato topping
- Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the cottage pie
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Transfer the beef mixture to an ovenproof dish and spread it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and smooth the surface with a fork. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the cottage pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
