Delia Smith Cottage Pie Recipe

Delia Smith Cottage Pie is a heartwarming and comforting dish, perfect for anyone who appreciates home-cooked meals with a touch of homely charm. This recipe, crafted by the much-loved Delia Smith, is a classic take on the traditional cottage pie, featuring tender, savory minced meat topped with a layer of creamy, golden mashed potatoes. Known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into delightful meals, Delia Smith ensures this cottage pie is as effortless to prepare as it is satisfying to savor.

In this article, I will show you how to make Delia Smith’s cottage pie recipe, with a complete step-by-step guide and tips for success. You will learn how to prepare the meat filling, the potato topping, and the cheese and herb crust.

So, are you ready to make the ultimate cottage pie?

Let’s get started!

What is Delia SmithCottage Pie Recipe?

Delia Smith Cottage Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that consists of minced beef cooked in a rich gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. It is a classic British dish that is easy to make and perfect for cold winter nights. Delia Smith is one of the most famous and respected chefs in the UK, and her recipe for cottage pie is simple, reliable, and delicious.

Perfect for feeding a family or a small group, this cottage pie is an excellent choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. With its wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation, Delia Smith’s Cottage Pie stands as a testament to the joys of simple, yet delicious, home cooking.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie
• Mary Berry Sausage Cassoulet
• James Martin Meat and Potato Pie

Why You Love This Recipe 💕

You will love this recipe because:

• Satisfying and Wholesome: The combination of tender meat, creamy potatoes, and a cheesy crust creates a fulfilling and comforting dish.
• Easy to Prepare: The recipe involves straightforward steps and simple ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook.
• Adaptable: It offers flexibility with various ingredient substitutions and variations to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
• Convenient for Storage: The dish is suitable for freezing, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Cottage Pie

To make Delia Smith’s cottage pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the double mince mixture

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 lb (450 g) of lean minced beef
• 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of plain flour
• 2 tablespoons of mushroom ketchup
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pint (570 ml) of water

For the topping

• 1 lb (450 g) of potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons of natural yoghurt
• 1 oz (25 g) of butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 oz (50 g) of grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs

Useful Equipment

To make Delia Smith’s cottage pie recipe, you will need the following equipment:

• A medium-sized saucepan
• A large frying pan or skillet
• A measuring jug
• A measuring spoon
• A wooden spoon
• A sharp knife
• A chopping board
• A potato masher
• A 5-inch (13 cm) ramekin or small pie dish
• A cheese grater
• A fork
• An oven
• A grill or broiler

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Cottage Pie Recipe

Here are the instructions for making Delia Smith’s cottage pie recipe, with a complete step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the oven and grill

Before you start cooking, you need to preheat the oven and the grill (or broiler). Set the oven to gas mark 6 (400°F, 200°C) and the grill to high. This will ensure that the cottage pie cooks evenly and gets a nice golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the onion and carrot

Next, you need to cook the onion and carrot in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Heat the oil in the saucepan, then add the onion and carrot and cook them for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly browned at the edges. This will add flavor and texture to the meat filling. 🥕

Step 3: Brown the meat

Then, you need to brown the meat in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat. Transfer the onion and carrot to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the saucepan. Add the minced beef to the frying pan and cook it for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is brown and toasted at the edges. Drain off the excess fat that comes out of the meat, then season it with salt, pepper, and dried mixed herbs. This will make the meat filling more savory and aromatic. 🥩

Step 4: Make the gravy

Now, you need to make the gravy that will bind the meat filling together. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir it well to coat it. Then, mix the mushroom ketchup and Worcestershire sauce with the water in a measuring jug and pour it over the meat, stirring as you do so. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer it for 30 minutes, uncovered, until it is thick and glossy. This will create a rich and flavorful gravy that will keep the meat moist and tender. 🍲

Step 5: Boil the potatoes

While the meat is simmering, you need to boil the potatoes for the topping. Put the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Then, drain them and return them to the pot. This will prepare the potatoes for mashing. 🥔

Step 6: Mash the potatoes

Next, you need to mash the potatoes for the topping. Add the yoghurt and butter to the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher until they are smooth and creamy. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. This will make the potato topping more light and fluffy. 🍶

Step 7: Assemble the cottage pie

Then, you need to assemble the cottage pie in a 5-inch (13 cm) ramekin or small pie dish. Spoon half of the meat mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Then, spoon the mashed potato mixture over the meat and level it off with a fork. This will form the base and the topping of the cottage pie. 🥧

Step 8: Sprinkle the cheese and herbs

Now, you need to sprinkle the cheese and herbs over the potato topping. Combine the grated cheese and the dried mixed herbs in a small bowl and sprinkle them evenly over the surface of the potato. This will add more flavor and texture to the cottage pie. 🧀

Step 9: Bake and grill the cottage pie

Finally, you need to bake and grill the cottage pie until it is golden and bubbly. Put the dish in the oven and bake it for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbling. Then, transfer the dish to the grill and grill it for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is brown and crisp. This will give the cottage pie a nice crust and a beautiful color. 😍

Step 10: Enjoy your cottage pie

Congratulations, you have made Delia Smith’s cottage pie recipe! Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. You can serve the cottage pie with some green peas, carrots, or salad on the side, or just enjoy it on its own. Bon appétit! 🍽️