50 mins
Individual Cottage Pies
Recipe by Graham
The Brits have a national fascination with minced meat pies and, when they combined it with mashed potatoes, the Individual Cottage Pie was born. (For a similar dish made with lamb, see Shepherd's Pie). For a slightly spicy version you can add a dash of smoked paprika to the mashed potatoes and finish the topping with cheese.
These cottage pies can be easily frozen uncooked. Thaw the frozen pies slowly in the fridge and just bake them like you would normally. It definitely is a great meal to have on hand in your freezer, because these pies taste even better when you come home tired from a busy day.
Indian Style Fish Fry 
Italian Style Burger Ingredients for Individual Cottage Pies
Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements
How to Cook Individual Cottage Pies
- Peel, cook and prepare the potatoes according to the simple recipe for Creamed Potatoes
- While the potatoes are cooking, peel and crush (mince) the garlic, peel and finely chop the onion, leek and carrot. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the onion, leek, carrot and garlic and saute for 3-4 minutes until just beginning to soften but not colouring.
- Stir the minced beef into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, breaking up any lumps with the edge of a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato puree and cook gently for another 10 minutes until completely tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly-ground black pepper.
- To serve, place a 3½" (9cm) ring mould on each plate (warm the plates first). Spoon the minced beef mixture into the moulds, then add the mashed potatoes, gently fluffing the top with a fork. Carefully remove the moulds.
- Finish off with a drizzle of herb oil, garnish with a sprig of thyme and serve with Peppered Cabbage or simple Fried Mushrooms or even just a spoon full of Baked Beans.
GRAHAM'S HOT TIP:
If you don't have any ring moulds, grab an empty plastic bottle (milk, water, cola or whatever) that is about 3"-4" (9cm-10cm) in diameter and cut a section out of the middle about 3" (7.5cm) high. Wash well to remove any residual cola and you'll find this will work fine. With proper food moulds, the moulds are easy to remove because they are stainless steel, and you might have to use a knife round the edge with the "bottle mould", but it will still work.
Reviews of Individual Cottage Pies
 January 25 2015Really good, easy meal. Perfect for leftovers too. But it is the best cottage pie recipe ever. spainho (6 reviews) |
 September 19 2014Made these tonight with vegetarian ground round and a mix of frozen peas/carrots/corn/green beans. when boiling the potatoes, i added in a couple of garlic cloves to add more flavor. my husband loved it and wants it to be a new 'go to' dish in our home. brookeadams (1 review) |
May 13 2014 Made this with onions and peppers in with the meat. Added just random spices to the meat, garlic, Italian seasoning, season salt, pepper, didn't think they added enough spices to it. Also added some Worcestershire sauce to the potatoes when mashing. Really good and kept in fridge and reheated next day, even better! Angelica (1 review) |
What To Eat Tonight
Pies, pies and more delicious pies. Steaming hot from the oven or cold from the fridge, we have a whole range to wet your taste buds.
Not everything is right for freezing. Some foods, however, just beg to go into the freezer waiting for that moment when you need them most!
Lamb is sometimes thought of as "tough" meat but, properly cooked, it is one of the finest meats for both everyday and when entertaining.
Other Beef Recipes
The Chinese often find large pices of beef intimidating, preferring to cut meat into slices and stir-fry it quickly, as in this recipe.
So you want to impress your friends with your culinary skills eh? Well here's a way to cook and present the most delicious steak slices possible.
We often eat Skirt Steak With Shallots and Sautéed Watercress since skirt is cheap and, no matter what it's reputation, is tender and tasty.
