Proper English Cottage Pie

For this savory pie, ground beef, onions, veggies, herbs and spices marry perfectly: Everything is sauteed together and then combined with broth and tomato paste, and simmered until ready to pour into a prepared pie crust. The hearty filling is then topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, sprinkled with Cheddar cheese, and baked.

• Calories: 513 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• ¼ pound shredded Cheddar cheese
• 3 carrots, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

To Make Meat Filling: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in ground beef and saute 1 minute. Add onion and carrot, then continue to saute until meat is no longer pink and onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Mix in flour, cinnamon, mixed herbs, and parsley.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine beef broth and tomato paste. Mix together, then add to beef mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat and simmer mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until almost all of liquid has been absorbed. Spoon mixture into a 9 inch pie plate.

Step 4

To Make Potato Topping: Place diced potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and place over high heat. Allow to come to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain.

Step 5

Mash potatoes until smooth, then add butter or margarine, followed by milk. Whip until fluffy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread potatoes over beef filling. Sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese.

Step 6

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until top is browned and cheese is bubbly.