Cottage pie, a classic British comfort dish, gets a silky upgrade with one simple addition: cream in the mashed potato topping. This Golden Kings recipe delivers a hearty, flavourful meal with a luxuriously smooth finish.
What Makes This Cottage Pie Different?
Cottage pie is traditionally made with minced beef, while shepherd's pie uses lamb. Beyond the meat, the recipes are remarkably similar. The key to a great cottage pie is a thick, rich filling and a velvety mash that crisps up golden in the oven.
Adding cream to the mashed potato renders the topping silky and smooth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. The recipe requires just 30 minutes of baking time once assembled.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pie
- Six Golden Kings potatoes
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 500g beef mince
- One teaspoon of chopped garlic
- One onion (diced)
- One carrot (diced)
- Three tins of chopped tomatoes
- One tablespoon of tomato puree
- 400ml beef stock
- One teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to season
- Knob of butter
- 50ml cream
Step-by-Step Method
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan, then add the onion and carrot. Add the garlic for one minute, then set aside. Add the mince to the pan and cook until brown, then return the onion and carrot, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, stock, and seasoning. Simmer for 45 minutes until the sauce has reduced.
Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes before boiling. When soft, drain and mash with butter and cream until velvety and smooth. Transfer the mince mixture into a baking dish and, using a rose or star nozzle, pipe mashed potato roses on top. Bake for 30 minutes until golden.
