Irish Cottage Pie
Irish Cottage Pie is a comforting baked dish consisting of a hearty beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The beef is simmered with vegetables and spices until rich and flavorful, then layered with a fluffy potato mash that turns golden and crispy on top after baking, resulting in a textured, savory casserole.
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Baking dish
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- Mixing bowl
- Masher or fork
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef preferably lean
- 2 large carrots diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth or water with beef bouillon
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor
- 1 tsp dried thyme optional
- 4 large potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and diced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 0.5 cup milk warm
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced carrots and chopped onion to the skillet; sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it releases a fragrant aroma.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in Worcestershire sauce and thyme; lower the heat and let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- While the beef simmers, place the peeled potatoes in a pot of boiling water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and place them in a mixing bowl; add butter and warm milk.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef filling, smoothing the top with a spatula or spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the potato topping is golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the hearty, layered flavors of this classic Irish dish.
Notes
For extra flavor, add chopped fresh parsley or a dash of Guinness stout to the beef filling. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and feel free to experiment with cheese on top for a richer finish.