Mary Berry Cottage Pie

Mary Berry’s Cottage Pie is a comforting, traditional British dish made with rich, savory minced beef, tender vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

What Is Mary Berry Cottage Pie?

Mary Berry’s Cottage Pie is a classic British dish made with flavorful minced beef cooked in a rich gravy with onions, carrots, and herbs, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. Unlike Shepherd’s Pie, which uses lamb, Cottage Pie is made with beef.

Other Popular Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Lamb Stew
• Mary Berry Marshmallow Icing
• Mary Berry Rock Cakes
• Mary Berry Mac and Cheese

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful filling made with minced beef and aromatic herbs.
• Creamy mashed potato topping that bakes to golden perfection.
• Easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for batch cooking.
• Family-friendly comfort food that everyone will love.
• A great way to use up leftovers for a budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Cottage Pie

For the Beef Filling:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 500g minced beef
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 250ml beef stock
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 900g potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 50g butter
• 100ml milk
• 50g cheddar cheese (grated, optional)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large frying pan
• Saucepan
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Potato masher

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cottage Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

• Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
• Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in minced beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
• Add garlic, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in the beef stock, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper.
• Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

• Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
• Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• Stir in cheddar cheese for extra richness (optional).

Step 3: Assemble the Cottage Pie

• Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
• Spoon the beef mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly.
• Top with mashed potatoes, spreading with a fork for a textured finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

• Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot with steamed vegetables or salad.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Cottage Pie

• Steamed green beans or peas – Adds freshness.
• Buttered cabbage or roasted Brussels sprouts – Enhances texture.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for scooping up the rich gravy.
• Pickled onions or chutney – A tangy contrast.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cottage Pie

• Brown the beef properly to enhance flavor.
• Mash the potatoes well for a smooth, creamy topping.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for a more aromatic taste.
• Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before serving for better consistency.
• For extra crispiness, grill (broil) the top for 5 minutes after baking.

What Are Variations of Mary Berry Cottage Pie?

• Cheesy Cottage Pie: Add extra grated cheese on top before baking.
• Vegetarian Cottage Pie: Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms.
• Spicy Cottage Pie: Add paprika or chili flakes for a heat boost.
• Sweet Potato Topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular ones.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure Worcestershire sauce and stock are gluten-free.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Cottage Pie?

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes until heated through.

How Can I Reheat Cottage Pie Without Drying It Out?

• Oven method: Cover with foil and reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave method: Heat in short 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
• Add a little stock or butter before reheating to keep it moist.

How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?

• Use lean minced beef to reduce fat content.
• Swap butter for olive oil in the mashed potatoes.
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for more nutrients.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 6g

FAQs

How Do I Prevent My Cottage Pie from Being Watery?

To prevent a watery cottage pie, simmer the beef filling until thickened before adding the mashed potatoes. Also, avoid overloading the pie with liquid ingredients and allow it to rest for a few minutes after baking to set properly.

Can I Make Cottage Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, cottage pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the pie, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes or until heated through.

What Is the Best Type of Potato for Cottage Pie?

Floury potatoes like Maris Piper, Russet, or King Edward are best for making creamy mashed potatoes as they provide a fluffy texture.

Can I Freeze Cottage Pie?

Yes, cottage pie freezes well. Cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Cottage Pie is a rich, comforting, and traditional dish that is perfect for family meals or batch cooking. With its flavorful minced beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping, this dish is both simple and satisfying. Try this classic recipe today and enjoy a taste of British home cooking!

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