O'Connor's Cottage Pie

 

O'Connor's Cottage Pie

Most people do not know what you mean when you say you are making a Cottage Pie. As soon as you describe it they respond with "Oh yeah, Shepherd's Pie?", No, there is a difference. First off, if you use beef then it isn't Shepherd's, because they heard sheep so only lamb or mutton can be called that kind of pie. Anyways, my Irish grandmother used to make this delicious version of Cottage Pie. Hope you enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 white onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tbs flour
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Worcestershire 
• Salt/Pepper

Topping

• 2 large russet potatoes
• Butter
• Milk
• 1 1/2 cup shredded Irish white cheddar
• Salt/pepper

1. Begin by peeling and boiling your potatoes. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Next brown the ground beef in a large pan along with the diced onion. 

3. Mix in the garlic and sauté until fragrant.

4. Mix in the diced tomatoes, frozen corn and frozen peas.

5. Stir in the 2 tbs of flour until the mixture becomes a thick consistency.

6. Slowly pour in the beef stock until the mixture becomes a thick gravy of beef and vegetables.

7. Stir in the thyme, bay leaf, and a couple of shakes of Worcestershire sauce. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

8. Once potatoes are cooked through, drain and mash up. Add in a couple bits of butter and milk until 

the consistency your prefer for mashed potatoes. 

9. Mix in 1 cup of the Irish white cheddar. 

10. In a medium baking dish, pour in the beef mixture. Spread the potato mixture over top and sprinkle the leftover 1/2 cup Irish white cheddar. Cover and bake in oven for roughly 30 minutes. Remove cover and place under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes until the potatoes brown and crisp up. 

Once cooled this dish is packed full of flavor and everyone will fall in love with it. The secret is the Irish white cheddar. Some will notice a different taste but not expect that to be the one different ingredient you use. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Serves: 5+