HEARTY COTTAGE PIE

Certainly! Here’s a recipe for a hearty cottage pie:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Start by making the mashed potato topping. Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Add in the milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and continue mashing until well combined. Set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
6. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
8. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
9. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
10. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
11. Use a fork to create a pattern on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
12. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown on top and the filling is bubbling.
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your hearty cottage pie!