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Mary Berry Cottage Pie Recipe

Mary Berry Cottage Pie
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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.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-cottage-pie/