Traditional English Cottage Pie With Cheese And Lee

Name: Traditional English Cottage Pie With Cheese And Leek Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Cottage Pie Filling; 600 g lean ground beef or 600 g cooked beef, shredded; 2 onions, peeled and diced; 1 large carrots, peeled and finely diced or 1 large cooked carrot, diced; 1 ounce butter or 1 ounce dripping; cooked peas (optional); 1 teaspoon dried herbs or 1 -2 tablespoon fresh mixed herbs, chopped; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 tablespoon tomato puree; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 250 ml beef stock (OR 250 ml red wine mixed with 2 teaspoons sugar) (optional); salt; pepper; Cottage Pie Topping; 1 kg potato, peeled and cut into small even sized pieces; 2 large leeks, cleaned and finely shredded or 2 large cooked leeks, sliced into rings; 2 ounces butter; 2 -4 tablespoons milk; 4 ounces mature farmhouse cheddar cheese, grated; salt; pepper

Servings: persons

Cottage Pie Filling
600 g lean ground beef or 600 g cooked beef, shredded
2 onions, peeled and diced
1 large carrots, peeled and finely diced or 1 large cooked carrot, diced
1 ounce butter or 1 ounce dripping
cooked peas (optional)
1 teaspoon dried herbs or 1 -2 tablespoon fresh mixed herbs, chopped
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
250 ml beef stock (OR 250 ml red wine mixed with 2 teaspoons sugar) (optional)
salt
pepper
Cottage Pie Topping
1 kg potato, peeled and cut into small even sized pieces
2 large leeks, cleaned and finely shredded or 2 large cooked leeks, sliced into rings
2 ounces butter
2 -4 tablespoons milk
4 ounces mature farmhouse cheddar cheese, grated
salt
pepper

1
To make the pie filling:
2
Fry the onions and carrots if using, in the butter or beef dripping until they are soft.
3
Add the minced/chopped beef and cook for about 10 to 20 minutes or until the onion and carrot have browned and the minced beef has taken on some colour and is firm. (It also depends if you are using cooked or raw minced beef.).
4
Season well with salt and pepper, then add the mixed herbs. Stir in the flour, and mix well.
5
Mix the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce with the stock and add it to the meat mixture, bringing it all to simmering point. Simmer until the stock has reduced by aboout a third, add the peas if using and take off the heat. Set aside whilst you make the topping.
6
To make the topping:
7
Boil the potatoes in slightly salted water then mash them well, adding half of the butter and all of the milk gradually. Season to taste.
8
If using fresh leeks, fry the leeks gently in the remaining butter, until soft and slightly coloured.
9
Stir the cooked leeks into the mashed potato mixture and give it all a good mix.
10
Assemble:
11
Put the meat mixture into a large and deep well greased baking dish and spread the potato mixture on top; then sprinkle with the grated cheese. You can also use 4 - 6 smaller pie dishes if you wish.
12
Put into a pre-heated oven, 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6 for about 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is crusty, golden and bubbling.
13
Serve with an assortment of fresh seasonal vegetables and a jug of gravy.

922

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.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
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 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Cottage Pie Filling, 600 g lean ground beef or 600 g cooked beef, shredded, 2 onions, peeled and diced, 1 large carrots, peeled and finely diced or 1 large cooked carrot, diced, and more.

Yes, Traditional English Cottage Pie With Cheese And Leek Topping 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!

Traditional English Cottage Pie With Cheese And Leek Topping

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions