The Hairy Bikers' cottage pie recipe

The Hairy Bikers' Cottage Pie is a quintessential British comfort food dish, combining savory ground beef with a medley of vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. This recipe is a testament to the Hairy Bikers' knack for creating hearty, comforting meals that are perfect for family dinners. The dish has its roots deeply embedded in British culinary traditions, offering a warming, satisfying meal especially during the colder months.

Ingredients for The Hairy Bikers' Cottage Pie

• For the meat filling:
  • Lean ground beef (500g/17½oz)
  • A large onion, celery sticks, and carrots, all finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Plain flour and tomato purée for thickening and flavor
  • Beef stock and red wine to create a rich gravy
  • Worcestershire sauce, mixed dried herbs, and a bay leaf for seasoning
• For the mashed potato topping:
  • Floury potatoes like King Edward or Maris Piper (800g/1lb 12oz), peeled and cut
  • Butter and milk for a creamy mash
  • Mature cheddar cheese, grated, to sprinkle on top

Preparation Instructions for The Hairy Bikers' Cottage Pie

1. Start by preparing the meat filling: Gently cook the chopped vegetables until softened, add the beef mince, and brown it. Deglaze the pan with red wine, add flour, then slowly incorporate the beef stock along with the tomato purée and seasonings, simmering until the sauce thickens and the mince is tender.
2. For the mashed potato topping: Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them with butter, milk, and some of the cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the pie: Spoon the meat filling into an ovenproof dish, cover with the mashed potato, creating a pattern on the surface with a fork, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake: In a preheated oven at 200C/400F until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Cool the Cottage Pie completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until hot through or microwave individual servings, ensuring it's heated evenly.

Nutritional Information

A serving of The Hairy Bikers' Cottage Pie provides approximately 500 calories, with a good balance of protein (25g), fats (20g), and carbohydrates (50g), including dietary fiber (5g) and sugars (5g).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?
  • Cottage Pie uses beef, whereas Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb.
• How to prevent the mashed potato topping from sinking?
  • Ensure the meat filling is thickened properly and not too hot when adding the mashed potato topping.
• Making the Cottage Pie more flavorful?
  • Consider adding more Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, or a dash of cheese in the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• Can I prepare Cottage Pie ahead of time?
  • Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, or freeze for longer storage. Adjust cooking time if baking from chilled or frozen.

The Hairy Bikers' Cottage Pie is a delightful, comforting dish that brings the warmth of traditional British cooking into your home. Its rich flavors, combined with the creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping, make it an irresistible meal for any occasion. Serve it with some steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete, nutritious meal.

This dish showcases The Hairy Bikers' ability to transform simple ingredients into a sumptuous feast, making it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to experience the heart of British comfort food.