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Cottage Pie with Cheese

Delicious Halaal Recipes
A comforting baked dish with spiced minced beef filling topped with creamy cheesy mashed potatoes, perfect for a hearty family meal.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 5 people

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.
Keyword cheese, pie