How to Make Cottage Pie

To make your Cottage Pie, start by preheating your oven to 400F. Warm the olive oil with a sprinkle of chilli flakes in an oven safe pan or cast iron skillet over medium high heat, and add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery into the pan, sautéing them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and release their fragrant aromas. This vegetable base is then enriched with minced garlic, sautéed for an additional minute, and seasoned well with salt and pepper to build layers of flavor early on. Add the ground beef to the mix, broken up and brown until no pink remains, with dried herbs and a splash of Worcestershire sauce stirred in for depth and complexity.

Create a small well in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste, which is then cooked into the beef for a minute, infusing the mixture with its rich, concentrated tomato flavour. This is the moment to add the frozen corn and peas, bringing pops of sweetness and colour to the mix. A sprinkle of gluten-free flour over the beef, followed by the pouring of bone broth, thickens the sauce as it’s stirred and brought to a gentle bubble. After cooking for three minutes, fold in the baby spinach until it wilts, then smooth the top of the meat mixture with a spatula, preparing it for the creamy layer.

While all that is happening with the meat and vegetables make sure you are taking care of the mashed potatoes. Once they are prepared and ready, scoop onto the beef mixture using an ice cream scoop – a trick that ensures an even distribution. With a spatula, smooth the potatoes into a uniform layer, and for a finishing touch, sprinkle paprika over the top, adding a subtle smoky flavour and a hint of colour. Some people also like to add shredded cheddar cheese to the top for a little extra something something but this is a more traditional recipe so I opted to omit it. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the top begins to turn golden and the edges bubble with the promise of a hearty meal. After removing it from the oven, let the cottage pie sit for 10 minutes before serving. This will ensure each serving comes out of the hot pan easier and mouths can avoid being burnt!

How to Store Cottage Pie

This Cottage Pie recipe is an easy make-ahead meal that is perfect for storing and reheating, allowing for a comforting meal any time. You can store the leftovers in the fridge with a cover to enjoy later or the next day. Alternatively, you can freeze it whole or in portions after cooling completely for a quick, satisfying option on busy days.