Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Cottage Pie that will make your taste buds dance and your health-conscious heart sing! This classic British dish gets a modern makeover with a creamy roasted garlic cauliflower mash that transforms the traditional potato topping into a lighter, more nutritious delight. Whether you're looking to impress your family, wow dinner guests, or simply treat yourself to a comforting meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, this Cottage Pie is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 head cauliflower
- 4 cloves roasted garlic
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or lamb, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains and meat is well-browned, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions and carrots to the skillet. Sauté with the meat for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and create a rich, thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- While the meat mixture simmers, prepare the cauliflower mash. Cut cauliflower into florets and steam or boil until very tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain cauliflower thoroughly and transfer to a food processor. Add roasted garlic cloves, milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spread the roasted garlic cauliflower mash over the meat mixture, creating an even layer that completely covers the filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning out equal servings of the cottage pie. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Tips
- Meat Selection: For the most authentic flavor, use ground lamb. However, ground beef works wonderfully too, so choose based on your preference.
- Browning is Key: Take your time browning the meat. Those caramelized bits add incredible depth of flavor to your pie.
- Cauliflower Mash Secrets: Ensure your cauliflower is thoroughly drained to prevent a watery topping. Pat it dry if necessary before blending.
- Roasting Garlic: If you have time, roast the garlic beforehand for an even more intense, mellow garlic flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Crispy Top Trick: For an extra golden and crispy top, brush the cauliflower mash with a little melted butter before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to serve perfect portions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
