Classic Minced Beef Cottage Pie recipe

A hearty British cottage pie with savoury minced beef, soft onions implied through seasoning, and a buttery potato topping finished with melted Cheddar. Comforting, filling, and ideal for a family dinner.

75 min · Medium · British Jump to method

Classic Minced Beef Cottage Pie

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 500g Minced Beef
  • 900g Potatoes
  • 100g Cheddar Cheese
  • 30g Butter
  • 2 tsp Herbs
  • 1 tsp Salt
Nutrition Per serving
Calories 634 kcal
Protein 40 g
Carbohydrates 39 g
Fat 34 g
Saturated fat 17 g
Fibre 4 g
Sugar 2 g
Sodium 630 mg

Why this works

Hearty and filling, this cottage pie is high in protein and energy, but also fairly high in saturated fat and sodium.

High-quality protein. Minced beef and cheddar provide around 40g protein per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.

Potassium and vitamin C. The potato topping contributes potassium and some vitamin C, though some vitamin C is reduced by cooking.

Saturated fat and salt. Cheddar, butter and salted seasoning raise saturated fat and sodium, so this is best enjoyed in moderation.

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C, 392°F, Gas Mark 6).
  2. Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter and a little salt until smooth.
  4. Heat a large pan and cook the minced beef for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
  5. Stir in the herbs and a splash of water if needed, then simmer for 5 minutes so the beef mixture is juicy and well combined.
  6. Spoon the beef into a baking dish, top with the mashed potatoes, and rough up the surface with a fork.
  7. Scatter over the Cheddar cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
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