Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 750g beef mince (ground beef); 1½ tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, finely diced; 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 dried bay leaves; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 55g tomato paste; 125ml red wine; 500ml low-sodium beef stock; 1 beef bouillon cube; 40g all-purpose flour (plain flour); ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1¼ kg potatoes, peeled and diced; 60g butter; 165ml milk; 20g Parmesan, grated (optional, for extra flavor)

Description

This Gordon Ramsay-inspired Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring savory ground beef simmered in a rich red wine and beef broth sauce, topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. A classic British dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Filling:

750g beef mince (ground beef)
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
2 dried bay leaves
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
55g tomato paste
125ml red wine
500ml low-sodium beef stock
1 beef bouillon cube
40g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

1 1/4 kg potatoes, peeled and diced
60g butter
165ml milk
20g Parmesan, grated (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half.
Sprinkle in flour and mix well.
Add beef stock and bouillon cube. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, until thickened. Remove bay leaves.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potato Topping
1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes, until fork-tender.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes with butter and milk, stirring until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and mix in Parmesan for extra richness.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread the beef filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges (for a crispier top).
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil for 5 minutes at the end.
Want a richer flavor? Add grated cheddar cheese on top before baking.
Make ahead: Prepare the filling and topping separately, assemble, and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.