Name: Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 500g minced beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp tomato purée; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 400ml beef stock; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped; 50g butter; 100ml milk; 50g grated cheddar cheese (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie is a classic British dish made with a rich and flavorful minced beef filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Packed with flavor: Rich, savory filling with a smooth potato topping.
Family-friendly: A comforting meal loved by all ages.
Perfect for batch cooking: Freezes and reheats well.
Nutritious: A well-balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
Easy to customize: Adjust ingredients to your preference.

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What Is Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie?

Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie is a traditional British dish featuring a slow-cooked minced beef filling with vegetables and a flavorful gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and crisp.

Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

500g minced beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
400ml beef stock
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

800g potatoes, peeled and chopped
50g butter
100ml milk
50g grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
Add minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Stir in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
Pour in beef stock, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potato Topping

Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper, and mix in grated cheese if using.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Spread the beef filling evenly in a baking dish.
Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spoon.
Use a fork to create ridges on top for a crispy texture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie

Steamed greens: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or peas.
Side salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness.
Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up the delicious filling.
Gravy: Drizzle with extra beef gravy for added moisture.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie

Use good-quality beef: Lean minced beef keeps the dish rich without being greasy.
Make ahead: Cottage pie tastes even better the next day.
For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the beef filling.
Crispy topping: Brush mashed potatoes with melted butter before baking.
Vegetarian option: Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie

Sweet potato topping: Swap regular potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes.
Cheesy crust: Add extra cheese for a golden, crispy finish.
Gluten-free version: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a slight heat.
Herby upgrade: Mix fresh parsley or chives into the mashed potatoes.

How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie?

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Cottage Pie?

Oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Air fryer: Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes for a crispy top.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g

FAQs

Can I make cottage pie in advance?

Yes, cottage pie can be made ahead of time. Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes, assemble the dish, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the mashed potato topping from sinking into the filling?

Let the beef filling cool slightly before adding the mashed potatoes. This helps create a firm base and prevents the potatoes from sinking.

What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

Cottage pie is made with minced beef, while shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with minced lamb. Both have a rich meat filling topped with mashed potatoes.

How can I make my cottage pie more flavorful?

Add a splash of red wine to the beef filling for depth of flavor. Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary also enhances the taste.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Cottage Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its rich filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a classic recipe that never disappoints. Try it today!