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James Martin Cottage Pie Recipe

James Martin Cottage Pie
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James Martin’s Cottage Pie is a traditional British dish made with minced beef cooked in a rich gravy, layered beneath a fluffy, buttery mashed potato topping. Unlike Shepherd’s Pie, which uses lamb, Cottage Pie features beef, making it heartier and perfect for beef lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Filling:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery sticks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500g minced beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 500ml beef stock
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 100ml whole milk
  • 50g butter
  • 50g grated cheddar cheese (optional, for a crispy top)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the vegetables – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Brown the beef – Add the minced beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Add flavor boosters – Stir in tomato purée and Worcestershire sauce, allowing them to cook for a minute to enhance the depth of flavor.
  4. Simmer the filling – Pour in the beef stock and add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Prepare the mashed potatoes – While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
  6. Mash to perfection – Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and mix in grated cheese if using.
  7. Assemble the pie – Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Transfer the beef filling to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. Layer the topping – Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef, using a fork to create ridges for a crispy top.
  9. Bake until golden – Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  10. Serve and enjoy – Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Find it online: https://britishrecipeshub.co.uk/james-martin-cottage-pie/