Ekani Ella This Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie is a rich and hearty British classic, perfect for warming up on cooler days. With tender minced beef, flavorful vegetables, and a golden, creamy mashed potato topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or gatherings.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie?
Cottage pie is a traditional British dish made with minced beef cooked in a savory gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden. Jamie Oliver’s version includes simple, wholesome ingredients and clever techniques to elevate the flavors, making it an irresistible, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty: Perfect for cold days or family dinners.
- Rich and savory: Packed with delicious, meaty flavors.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
- Great for meal prep: It can be made ahead and reheated.
- Kid-friendly: A dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie
For the Filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g minced beef
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 500ml beef stock
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 50g unsalted butter
- 100ml milk
- 50g cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Large saucepan
- Baking dish (approx. 9×13 inches)
- Potato masher
- Wooden spoon
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie
For the Filling:
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Brown the Minced Beef: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned all over.
- Add Flavor and Simmer: Stir in the tomato purée and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, then pour in the beef stock and sprinkle with dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Boil the Potatoes: While the filling simmers, place the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese if using.
Assemble and Bake:
- Layer the Pie: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Spoon the beef filling into a large baking dish and spread it out evenly. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes on top and smooth them out with a spatula or fork. Use the back of the fork to create ridges for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Cottage Pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish on its own or with steamed greens.
What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie
- Steamed green beans or peas: Adds a fresh, vibrant side.
- Roasted root vegetables: Perfect for extra warmth and flavor.
- Crusty bread: Great for scooping up the delicious gravy.
- Green salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie
- Let the filling simmer: Allowing the beef filling to simmer ensures a thick, flavorful gravy.
- Cheesy topping: Adding cheddar cheese to the mash gives a rich, savory twist.
- The texture on top: Use a fork to roughen the mashed potatoes for a crispy finish.
- Make ahead: Assemble the pie a day in advance and bake when needed.
- Add vegetables: Toss in peas, sweetcorn, or mushrooms for extra goodness.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the fully baked cottage pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie?
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbling.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQs
What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
The main difference is the type of meat used. Cottage pie is made with minced beef, while shepherd’s pie traditionally uses minced lamb. Both are topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
Can I make cottage pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble cottage pie up to a day in advance. Cover it with cling film and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes until heated through and golden.
How can I thicken the cottage pie filling?
To thicken the filling, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir it into the filling and cook until thickened.
Can I freeze cottage pie?
Yes, cottage pie freezes well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until piping hot.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors and topped with creamy, golden mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or special occasions. Give it a try, and enjoy this classic British favorite!
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Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie Recipe
Cottage pie is a traditional British dish made with minced beef cooked in a savory gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden. Jamie Oliver’s version includes simple, wholesome ingredients and clever techniques to elevate the flavors, making it an irresistible, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g minced beef
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 500ml beef stock
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 50g unsalted butter
- 100ml milk
- 50g cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the Filling:
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Brown the Minced Beef: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned all over.
- Add Flavor and Simmer: Stir in the tomato purée and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, then pour in the beef stock and sprinkle with dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Boil the Potatoes: While the filling simmers, place the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese if using.
Assemble and Bake:
- Layer the Pie: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Spoon the beef filling into a large baking dish and spread it out evenly. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes on top and smooth them out with a spatula or fork. Use the back of the fork to create ridges for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Cottage Pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish on its own or with steamed greens.
