21/01/2025
Cottage Pie
This is a great Meal Prep Idea, make lots and freeze to reheat on the busy days.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp oil
1¼kg lean beef mince
2 onions, finely chopped
3 handful chopped veggies your choice
3 celery sticks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tomato finely cut
200ml beef stock
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
a few thyme sprigs
2 bay leaves
Instructions:
STEP 1
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan and fry lean beef mince until browned – you may need to do this in batches. Set aside as it browns.
STEP 2
Put the other 2 tbsp oil into the pan, add 2 finely chopped onions, 3 handful of veggies of your choice and 3 chopped celery sticks and cook on a gentle heat until soft, about 20 mins.
STEP 3
Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, and 1 tomato finely cut, increase the heat and cook for a few mins, then return the beef to the pan.
STEP 4
boil to reduce it slightly before adding the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, a few thyme sprigs and 2 bay leaves.
STEP 5
Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 45 mins. By this time the gravy should be thicker and coating the meat. Check after about 30 mins – if a lot of liquid remains, increase the heat slightly to reduce the gravy a little. Season well, then discard the bay leaves and thyme stalks.
STEP 6
Meanwhile, make the “mash”. In a large saucepan, cover the half cut gemsquash which you’ve pitted in salted cold water, bring to the boil and simmer until tender.
STEP 7
Drain well, then allow to steam-dry for a few mins. Mash well with some salt and canderel powder, then season with freshly grated nutmeg and some salt and pepper.
STEP 8
Spoon the meat into 2 ovenproof dishes. Pipe or spoon on the mash to cover.
STEP 9
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and cook for 25-30 mins or eat straigh away.