Nigella’s Cottage Pie is the pinnacle of cozy fare. The harmonious combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes results in a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your appetite.
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Why You’ll Love This Nigella Cottage Pie Recipe?
- Rich and Savory Flavors: Nigella’s Cottage Pie is full of soothing and fulfilling flavors thanks to the properly seasoned ground beef, aromatic herbs, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Hearty and Filling: This cottage pie dish is a robust and filling supper that will leave you feeling nourished and fulfilled. It has ample amounts of meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Easy to Make: The recipe’s straightforward directions and easy methods make it suitable for beginners. Cottage pies are easy to make and delicious, but they don’t have to be.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe calls for some tried-and-true staples, it’s easily adaptable to your personal preferences. Make it your own by including your preferred vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Nigella Cottage Pie Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots ½ inch diced
- 2 ribs celery ½ inch diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅔ cup peas
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper each
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ⅓ cup warm milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar shredded, optional
How To Make Nigella Cottage Pie
- Turn the oven temperature up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Put in a large pot of salted cold water.
- Cook the potatoes at a low boil for 13 to 16 minutes, or until fork tender.
- While potatoes are in the oven, brown ground beef and onion together in a large skillet until no pink remains.
- Blend in some garlic, carrots, and celery with the ground beef mixture. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until just tender.
- Cook for 1 minute after adding flour and stirring. Blend in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and bay leaf), and the bay leaf.
- For a thicker gravy, simmer for at least 20 minutes. Take out the bay leaf, toss in some peas, and sprinkle on with salt and pepper.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash them up. Mix in the butter. You may not need all of the warmed milk but add it gradually until the potatoes are smooth and fluffy. Melt the cheese and mix it with the potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Put the meat and potato mixture in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.
Recipe Tips
- Browning the ground beef: For even browning and cooking, crumble the ground beef into small pieces before frying. This will improve the pie’s chewiness and flavor.
- Seasoning and spices: Don’t be scared to customize the seasoning and spices to your liking. You can adjust the taste of the dish by adding a pinch of your preferred herbs or spices.
- Vegetable variations: You can try out several vegetables until you find one you like. Vegetables like peas, corn, and mushrooms can be added or substituted to the mixture to improve its texture and flavor.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: Use warm milk and melted butter to mash the potatoes for a smooth and creamy topping. A light and luxurious texture will result from doing this.
- Let it rest: Cottage pie is best when served after resting for a few minutes after baking. This will facilitate a more harmonious blending of flavors and make for easier slicing and serving.
What Goes Well With Cottage Pie?
You can’t go wrong with serving Cottage Pie alongside any of these complimentary sides. The Minty Peas and Honey-Glazed Carrots bring a refreshing bite, while the Roasted Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts Salad, and Butternut Squash up the flavor and visual appeal.
How Do You Keep Leftover Cottage Pie?
- In The Fridge: Leftover cottage pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You should store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- In The Freezer: Leftover cottage pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure it is well-wrapped or put it in freezer-safe containers. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How To Reheat Cottage Pie?
- Oven: Turn the oven temperature up to 350°F (175°C). Cover the cottage pie with foil and place it in an oven-safe dish. Heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until hot.
- Microwave: Place portions of the cottage pie on a microwave-safe plate. Use a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to cover it. Heat on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it is heated through.
- Air Fryer: Set the temperature of the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Put portions of the cottage pie in the air fryer basket and heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a shepherd’s pie and a cottage pie?
The main difference between a shepherd’s pie and a cottage pie lies in the type of meat used. Shepherd’s pie traditionally uses ground lamb, while cottage pie uses ground beef.
How do you thicken cottage pie?
To thicken cottage pie, you can simmer the filling for a longer duration to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken naturally. Additionally, adding a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with water can also help thicken the gravy.
Why does my cottage pie go sloppy?
Your cottage pie may become sloppy if there is excessive moisture in the filling. To avoid this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked vegetables and simmer the filling until it thickens before assembling the pie.
How do you keep mashed potatoes from sinking into cottage pie?
To keep mashed potatoes from sinking into a cottage pie, make sure the filling is cooled before adding the mashed potatoes. Additionally, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling, creating a seal around the edges to help keep them in place during baking.
Can I make cottage pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make cottage pie filling and mashed potatoes up to 2 days in advance, assemble the pie, refrigerate, and then bake it when ready to serve.
How do you keep cottage pie from tasting salty?
To keep cottage pie from tasting too salty, you can adjust the amount of salt added to the recipe. Taste the filling and mashed potatoes as you go, gradually adding salt and adjusting to your desired level of seasoning.
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Nigella Cottage Pie Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 341.5
- Total Fat 20.0g
- Saturated Fat 10.1g
- Cholesterol 64.5mg
- Sodium 252.8mg
- Potassium 809.6mg
- Total Carbohydrate 25.6g
- Dietary Fiber 5.0g
- Sugars 5.1g
- Protein 15.9g
- Vitamin A 75.2 %
- Vitamin C 44.5 %
- Calcium 16.2 %
Are You Looking For Best Nigella Lawson Cookbooks ? Here Are Top 5 Best Seller Nigella Lawson Cookbooks You Should Have:
- At My Table: A Celebration of Home Cooking
- Nigella Express: 130 Recipes for Good Food, Fast
- Cook, Eat, Repeat: Ingredients, Recipes, and Stories (recommended)
- Nigellissima: Easy Italian-Inspired Recipes
- Nigella Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of the Home
Nigella Cottage Pie
Description
Nigella’s Cottage Pie is the pinnacle of cozy fare. The harmonious combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes results in a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your appetite.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
Instructions
- Turn the oven temperature up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Put in a large pot of salted cold water.
- Cook the potatoes at a low boil for 13 to 16 minutes, or until fork tender.
- While potatoes are in the oven, brown ground beef and onion together in a large skillet until no pink remains.
- Blend in some garlic, carrots, and celery with the ground beef mixture. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until just tender.
- Cook for 1 minute after adding flour and stirring. Blend in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and bay leaf), and the bay leaf.
- For a thicker gravy, simmer for at least 20 minutes. Take out the bay leaf, toss in some peas, and sprinkle on with salt and pepper.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash them up. Mix in the butter. You may not need all of the warmed milk but add it gradually until the potatoes are smooth and fluffy. Melt the cheese and mix it with the potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Put the meat and potato mixture in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.
Notes
- Browning the ground beef: For even browning and cooking, crumble the ground beef into small pieces before frying. This will improve the pie’s chewiness and flavor.
- Seasoning and spices: Don’t be scared to customize the seasoning and spices to your liking. You can adjust the taste of the dish by adding a pinch of your preferred herbs or spices.
- Vegetable variations: You can try out several vegetables until you find one you like. Vegetables like peas, corn, and mushrooms can be added or substituted to the mixture to improve its texture and flavor.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: Use warm milk and melted butter to mash the potatoes for a smooth and creamy topping. A light and luxurious texture will result from doing this.
- Let it rest: Cottage pie is best when served after resting for a few minutes after baking. This will facilitate a more harmonious blending of flavors and make for easier slicing and serving.