Winter Cottage Pie

Winter Cottage Pie

During winter, I find myself cooking more stews and pies, and cottage pie is one of those comforting dishes that came to mind for a cozy winter lunch. To add a fun visual twist, I decided to pipe the mashed potatoes into winter-themed shapes- like bonnet, tree, and snowflake! There are so many other possibilities for piping in line with the theme, like mittens, stockings, and sweaters, which I think would be adorable too.

——————- Recipe ——————-

Ingredients

For the beef filling:

• 300g ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth 

• 1/2 cup (120ml) frozen peas

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 tbsp balsamic reduction (optional)

For the mashed potato topping:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2-3 tbsp milk or cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheese 

Instructions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:

• Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.

• Drain and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. If you like, stir in some grated cheese.

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before transferring to a piping bag fitted with your choice of decorative nozzles.

2. Cook the beef filling:

• Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and carrot. Cook until softened.

• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon 

• Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.

• Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and let it cook until the liquid has reduced slightly and the mixture is saucy

• Add the frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in the balsamic reduction (if using) and season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble & Bake the pie:

• Preheat your oven to 180c.

• Spread the beef mixture evenly in a small baking dish. Add a smooth layer of mashed potato on top.

• Pipe the mashed potatoes into decorative shapes (e.g., snowflakes, trees, bows) using different piping nozzles. 

• Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden and crispy.