Cottage pie, a beloved British comfort food, is traditionally a time-consuming dish with several elements coming together. But celebrity chef James Martin offers a simplified approach, promising an ‘easier’ version of this classic. His recipe focuses on achieving the quintessential flavors of cottage pie with minimal fuss.
This recipe serves six and boasts a prep time of under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The dish can also be frozen for up to three months, offering a convenient solution for busy schedules.
James Martin’s Easy Cottage Pie
Ingredients:
For the cottage pie filling:
* 50ml/2fl oz olive oil
* 1 large onion or 3–4 banana shallots, finely chopped
* 650g/1lb 7oz beef mince
* 2 tbsp tomato purée
* 1 tbsp plain flour
* 150ml/5fl oz red wine
* 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
* 400ml/14fl oz beef stock
* Worcestershire sauce, to taste
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the mash:
* 900g/2lb King Edward potatoes, peeled and chopped
* 115g/4oz butter
* 125ml/41⁄2fl oz milk
Method:
1.
Prepare the filling:
Heat half the olive oil in a large pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then transfer the onions to a plate. Add the remaining oil to the pan and brown the mince in batches, if needed, for four to five minutes. Stir in the cooked onions and tomato purée, cooking for one minute. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any caramelized bits from the pan. Add the thyme leaves, beef stock, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the mince is tender and the mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Keep the filling warm over low heat.2.
Make the mash:
Place the potatoes in a pan of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan for one minute to remove any excess moisture. Mash the potatoes thoroughly. Add the butter and milk, beating until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.3.
Assemble and bake:
Preheat the grill to high. Spoon the cottage pie filling into a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Place under the grill for eight minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot.James Martin’s cottage pie offers a classic flavor with simplified preparation. With this recipe, you can enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of this British staple without the usual time commitment.
