Cottage Pie & Sautéed Vegetables

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Anna Middleton (@chefanna)

A classic cottage pie with a savoury beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and served with a side of sautéed vegetables.

Cottage Pie & Sautéed Vegetables recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = one portion of pie and vegetables)

Meat Filling

  • beef mince
    beef mince
    2cups
  • small onion, finely chopped
    small onion, finely chopped
    1piece
  • garlic, minced
    garlic, minced
    1clove
  • small carrot cubes
    small carrot cubes
    1/2cup
  • dried mixed herbs
    dried mixed herbs
    1tsp
  • water
    water
    1 1/2cups
  • Oh So Gravy powder
    Oh So Gravy powder
    2tbsp
  • vegetable oil
    vegetable oil
    2tbsp
  • salt & pepper to taste
    salt & pepper to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

  • medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
    medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
    3piece
  • butter
    butter
    2tbsp
  • milk
    milk
    1/4cup
  • ground nutmeg
    ground nutmeg
    1/2tsp
  • grated cheddar cheese
    grated cheddar cheese
    1cup
  • salt & pepper to taste
    salt & pepper to taste

Sautéed Vegetables (Side Dish)

  • small red pepper, chunks
    small red pepper, chunks
    1piece
  • small yellow pepper, chunks
    small yellow pepper, chunks
    1piece
  • baby marrows, diagonally sliced
    baby marrows, diagonally sliced
    1cup
  • carrot slices, lightly steamed
    carrot slices, lightly steamed
    1/2cup
  • vegetable oil
    vegetable oil
    1tbsp
  • salt & pepper to taste
    salt & pepper to taste

How to make Cottage Pie & Sautéed Vegetables

Prepare the Meat Filling

  1. Step 1

    Heat a pan over medium heat and add vegetable oil.

  2. Step 2

    Sauté the onion and carrot cubes until golden brown, then add the beef mince and cook until browned.

  3. Step 3

    Add the garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.

  4. Step 4

    In a small bowl, mix Oh So Gravy powder with water until smooth, then pour into the pan.

  5. Step 5

    Simmer until the sauce has reduced and is coating the meat.

  6. Step 6

    Transfer the filling to a baking dish.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Step 1

    Boil potatoes in water until soft.

  2. Step 2

    Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.

  3. Step 3

    Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

  4. Step 4

    Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef filling and smooth it out.

  5. Step 5

    Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.

Bake the Cottage Pie

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C.

  2. Step 2

    Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown on top.

Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Step 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a pan over high heat.

  2. Step 2

    Add red pepper and yellow pepper, then remove.

  3. Step 3

    Repeat the process for the baby marrows and carrot slices.

  4. Step 4

    All the vegetables should be a bit crunchy but with color.

  5. Step 5

    Add all vegetables together in the pan and mix well.

  6. Step 6

    Season with salt and black pepper and sauté together for another minute.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Dish up the cottage pie with the sautéed vegetables on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

615.0kcal (30.75%)

Protein

36.8g (73.5%)

Carbs

54.5g (19.82%)

Sugars

5.0g (10%)

Healthy Fat

22.5g

Unhealthy Fat

11.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a creamier mashed potato topping, add more milk as needed.

  2. Ensure the vegetables are not overcooked to maintain their crunchiness.

FAQS

  1. How can I make a vegetarian version of cottage pie?

    To create a vegetarian cottage pie, substitute the beef mince with lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives available in stores. Ensure to season well with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.

  2. What are some good side dishes to serve with cottage pie?

    Cottage pie pairs wonderfully with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, baby marrows, and carrots, as mentioned in the recipe. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.

  3. How do I store leftover cottage pie and sautéed vegetables?

    To store leftover cottage pie, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. The sautéed vegetables can be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat both in the oven or microwave before serving.

  4. Can I use different types of cheese for the cottage pie topping?

    Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or a sharp cheese like Gruyère for added flavor. Just ensure that the cheese melts well for a delicious topping.

  5. What can I substitute for Oh So Gravy powder in the cottage pie recipe?

    If you don't have Oh So Gravy powder, you can make a homemade gravy using beef or vegetable broth thickened with cornstarch or flour. Simply mix the broth with your thickening agent and season with herbs to achieve a similar flavor and consistency.

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Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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