Cottage Pie with Beans Recipe
This Cottage Pie with Beans is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal that has a unique twist from the traditional Shepherd’s Pie. Originating from a lovely British cook, this recipe includes a can of pork and beans or leftover barbecued beans, which adds a delightful richness and flavor to the dish. While some prefer it without the beans, I have found that the addition gives this dish a wonderful depth and a slight sweetness that complements the savory beef mixture beautifully. The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you use fresh or frozen vegetables, or opt for chili or barbecue sauce instead of mushroom soup, this dish can be customized to suit any taste.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 medium onion |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup |
| Mashed potatoes | 2 cups (prepared) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Pork and beans or barbecue beans | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 602.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 96 mg |
| Sodium | 1430.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fiber | 7.6 g |
| Sugars | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 35.1 g |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Instructions
-
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, use a spoon to break it into smaller crumbles. Once browned, drain any excess fat to ensure the dish doesn’t become greasy. -
-
Prepare the Beef Mixture
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, stir in the mushroom soup, sour cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is heated through. -
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This will form the base layer of your Cottage Pie. -
Layer the Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture. The cheese will melt as it bakes, creating a creamy, flavorful layer that binds the ingredients together. -
Add the Corn and Beans
Spread the frozen corn kernels evenly over the cheese layer. Follow with the pork and beans or barbecue beans, spreading them out to cover the corn. The beans add a touch of sweetness and a hearty texture, making this dish even more satisfying. -
Top with Mashed Potatoes
Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the beans. The mashed potatoes should be spread gently to cover the entire surface, forming a thick, comforting layer. This will help hold everything together and add a creamy texture to every bite. -
Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes. The parmesan will add a savory, cheesy crust as it bakes, making it golden and irresistible. -
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The mashed potatoes should have a slightly crisped top, adding texture and flavor to the dish. -
Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the Cottage Pie rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to cut into portions. Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the frozen corn for any other vegetables you prefer. Peas, carrots, or green beans would work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Sauce Variation: Instead of using mushroom soup and sour cream, try using chili sauce or barbecue sauce for a more tangy or smoky flavor. This can change the entire flavor profile of the dish, depending on your preferences.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar cheese works great, but you can also use mozzarella, gouda, or a combination for a richer taste.
- Make-Ahead: This Cottage Pie can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Leftover Meat: If you have leftover cooked meat, such as roasted chicken or pork, you can easily swap it for the ground beef. Just shred the meat and follow the same instructions to assemble the casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Pie
This Cottage Pie with Beans is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, offering a combination of savory meat, rich mashed potatoes, and a touch of sweetness from the beans. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, as it’s easy to prepare and filling. The beans not only enhance the flavor but also provide an extra dose of fiber and protein, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or make your own creative changes, this Cottage Pie is sure to become a family favorite that everyone will enjoy!
Keywords: potato, beans, vegetable, meat, oven, less than 4 hours, inexpensive
