Cottage Pie Recipe For Gordon Ramsay

This Gordon Ramsay-inspired Cottage Pie is a comforting, hearty dish featuring flavorful beef mince simmered in a rich, savory sauce and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner, packed with deep flavors and simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic British comfort food with rich flavors
• A perfect balance of savory beef and creamy mashed potatoes
• Great for meal prep – reheats well and can be frozen
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Gordon Ramsay’s signature method for extra depth of flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef Filling:

• 750g beef mince
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 carrot (finely diced)
• 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 2 bay leaves (dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 125ml red wine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 55g tomato paste
• 500ml low-sodium beef stock
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 40g all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 1¼ kg potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 60g butter
• 165ml milk
• 20g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

• Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
• Drain and mash with butter, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef Filling

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaves, cooking for 1 minute.
• Add beef mince, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
• Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir well.
• Pour in red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.
• Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, and the bouillon cube.
• Season with salt and black pepper. Let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
• Remove bay leaves before assembling the pie.

3. Assemble & Bake

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Transfer beef filling to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top, using a fork to create ridges for extra crispiness.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

4. Serve & Enjoy

• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Lamb Cottage Pie: Use ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie version.
• Cheesy Topping: Mix in cheddar or Gruyère cheese for a richer mashed potato topping.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with cornstarch to thicken the filling.
• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of beef.
• Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?

Cottage Pie is made with beef, while Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes make the creamiest mashed topping.

4. Can I skip the wine?

Yes! Replace with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

5. How do I make the topping extra crispy?

Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking for a golden crust.

6. Can I use fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Use fresh thyme and parsley for added flavor.

7. Do I have to use Parmesan in the mashed potatoes?

No, but it adds a savory depth of flavor. You can skip or replace it with cheddar.

8. Can I add peas to the filling?

Yes! Stir in ½ cup frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

9. What side dishes pair well with Cottage Pie?

Serve with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or garlic bread.

10. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works, but the flavor will be milder.

Conclusion

This Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie is the ultimate hearty, comforting meal, featuring a rich beef filling and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy family dinners. Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic British favorite!

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