Creating a delectable Cottage Pie VI is a culinary journey that brings together savory elements of roast beef, hearty vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a cheesy finish, perfect for any meal occasion. This recipe, originating from lovewithrecipes.com, promises a comforting dish that melds Canadian, Scottish, and Welsh influences into a single delightful casserole.
Overview
Name: Cottage Pie VI
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Potato, Cheese, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, Scottish, Welsh, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Servings: 10
Aggregated Rating: 5 (based on 6 reviews)
Ingredients
- Roast Beef: 5 units
- Onion: 1 unit
- Carrots: 3 units
- Celery: 1 unit
- Beef Bouillon Cube: 2 units
- Parsley Flakes: 1 unit
- Sage: 3 units
- Bay Leaves: 1/2 unit
- Garlic Powder: 3 units
- Salt: 1 unit
- Pepper: 1 unit
- Unsalted Butter: 1 unit
- Margarine: 1 unit
- Mashed Potatoes: 1 unit
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 unit
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 50.3
- Total Fat: 1.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 1.5mg
- Sodium: 629.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugars: 2.7g
- Protein: 2.6g
Recipe Instructions
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Prepare Vegetables: Begin by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots in unsalted butter or margarine until they are tender. This foundational step builds the savory base of the pie.
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Combine with Beef: Add roast beef, beef bouillon cubes (crumbled for easier incorporation), parsley flakes, sage, bay leaves, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, ensuring to remove the bay leaves before proceeding further.
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Adjust Consistency: The mixture should achieve a consistency thicker than a stew but not overly dry. Adjust with additional gravy if necessary to balance flavors and moisture.
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Assemble the Pie: Transfer approximately ¾ cup of the hot beef mixture into individual small, round casserole dishes, ensuring an even distribution.
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Layer with Mashed Potatoes: Cover the beef mixture completely with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, smoothing them out with a knife. Use the tines of a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the potatoes.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle approximately 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese over the center of each casserole dish, ensuring a delicious cheesy topping.
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Bake or Broil: Option A: Place the prepared dishes under a broiler until the cheese is lightly browned for a beautiful finish. Option B: Alternatively, bake the assembled pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until heated through and the cheese melts to a golden perfection.
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Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish each pie with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of vibrant color and added freshness.
Tips for Success
- Vegetable Prep: Ensure vegetables are chopped uniformly for even cooking and texture in the final dish.
- Consistency Check: Adjust gravy amounts carefully to achieve the desired thickness of the beef mixture.
- Cheese Choice: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles, such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Cottage Pie VI is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a side salad of mixed greens dressed lightly with vinaigrette, steamed vegetables, or even a slice of crusty bread to mop up the savory juices. It’s perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or as a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
Conclusion
This recipe for Cottage Pie VI encapsulates the essence of hearty, home-cooked comfort food, enriched with robust flavors and textures that appeal to both adults and children alike. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or planning for a gathering, this dish promises satisfaction and warmth with every forkful, making it a staple in any recipe collection.
