Cottage Pie with Cheese
A comforting baked dish with spiced minced beef filling topped with creamy cheesy mashed potatoes, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
For the Mince Filling:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tsp crushed garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 500 grams beef mince
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tomatoes grated or 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup frozen peas(optional)
- 1 medium carrot grated
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- fresh chopped coriander
For the Cheesy Mash Topping:
- 6 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups cheese grated
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Instructions
Prepare the mince filling:
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions until soft and golden.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
Cook the mince:
- Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Add spices:
- Add turmeric, coriander, cumin, chilli powder, paprika, garam masala, and cinnamon.
- Cook briefly to release aroma.
Add vegetables and simmer:
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, carrot, and peas.
- Mix well.
- Pour in water, season, and cook for 15–20 minutes until thick.
- Stir in fresh coriander.
Prepare mashed potatoes:
- Boil potatoes until soft.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and turmeric.
- Mix in half the cheese.
Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Spread mince mixture in a baking dish.
- Top evenly with mashed potatoes.
Bake:
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Serve:
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot.
Notes
Pro Tips:
✔ Cook mince until thick to avoid watery base.
✔ Mash potatoes smoothly for creamy texture.
✔ Use cheddar cheese for rich flavor.
✔ Bake until top is golden and slightly crispy.
✔ Rest before serving for better layering.
✔ Mash potatoes smoothly for creamy texture.
✔ Use cheddar cheese for rich flavor.
✔ Bake until top is golden and slightly crispy.
✔ Rest before serving for better layering.
