A Slightly Posher Cottage Pie Recipe

Name: A Slightly Posher Cottage Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 450 g lean ground beef; 1 large onion, finely diced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 240 g whole peeled canned tomatoes; 140 g tinned sweetcorn; 1 tablespoon tomato puree; 1 beef stock cube; 150 ml armagnac; 100 ml red wine; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried tarragon; ½ teaspoon fennel seed; 900 g floury potatoes, peeled; 1 medium leek, washed and sliced; 100 g cheddar cheese, coarsely grated; 50 g butter; 6 slices serrano ham, roughly torn into strips; salt and pepper

Servings: persons

450 g lean ground beef
1 large onion, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
240 g whole peeled canned tomatoes
140 g tinned sweetcorn
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 beef stock cube
150 ml armagnac
100 ml red wine
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
½ teaspoon fennel seed
900 g floury potatoes, peeled
1 medium leek, washed and sliced
100 g cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
50 g butter
6 slices serrano ham, roughly torn into strips
salt and pepper

1
Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and garlic and simmer for 5 minutes, or until translucent.
2
Add the minced beef, breaking up any chunks, and cook until well browned.
3
Add tomatoes, breaking up into smaller pieces, tomato puree, stock cube, herbs and spices and simmer for 15 minutes.
4
Add the Armagnac (you can flame it if you wish, but this isn't necessary as the alcohol will boil off anyhow) and the red wine.
5
Simmer for a further 10 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning.
6
Meanwhile, cut potatoes into approx 1.5inch cubes and place in a pan of salted cold water.
7
Place the pan, covered, over a high heat until it starts to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
8
Once potatoes are tender, drain and cover with a teatowel for several minutes.
9
Add the butter to the potatoes (NO MILK!)
10
and use an electric whisk to mash them.
11
Try to leave a bit of body for texture, rather than making them completely smooth.
12
Taste and add salt and pepper if required.
13
Place the cooked meat in an ovenproof dish and cover completely with the potato.
14
Sprinkle the leeks over the potato and cover with the cheese.
15
Finally, lay the strips of serrano over the top and place in a preheated oven (200C) for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden, and the serrano has gone crispy.
16
Serve with warm country bread.
17
Yummy.

819

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 450 g lean ground beef, 1 large onion, finely diced, 1 garlic clove, minced, 240 g whole peeled canned tomatoes, and more.

Yes, A Slightly Posher Cottage Pie falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

A Slightly Posher Cottage Pie

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions