Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie Recipe

Last updated on November 6, 2023

Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Medium Prep Time: 20 Mins Cook Time: 1 Hr 10 Mins Total Time: 1 Hr 30 Mins

Cottage pie is a classic British dish that is hearty, comforting, and satisfying. It consists of a layer of minced beef and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for a cold winter night or a family gathering.

The Hairy Bikers are a duo of British chefs and television presenters who are known for their love of food and adventure. They have traveled around the world and cooked various dishes from different cuisines. They have also written several cookbooks and hosted several shows, including The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain, and The Hairy Bikers’ Bakeation.

In this article, I will show you how to make their version of cottage pie, which is rich, flavorful, and easy to make. You will need some basic ingredients, such as beef mince, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, tomato paste, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, butter, milk, cheese, and potatoes. You will also need a large frying pan, a saucepan, a potato masher, a baking dish, and an oven.

What is Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie?

Hairy Bikers cottage pie is a delicious and easy version of the traditional British dish, cottage pie. It is made with minced beef and vegetables cooked in a rich and savory sauce, topped with cheesy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden and bubbly. It is named after the Hairy Bikers, a duo of British chefs and television presenters who are famous for their love of food and adventure.

Why You Love this Recipe

There are many reasons to love this recipe.

Here are some of them:

  • It is hearty, comforting, and satisfying. It will warm you up on a cold day and fill you up with goodness.
  • It is simple and easy to make. You only need some basic ingredients and equipment, and you can make it in less than an hour.
  • It is versatile and adaptable. You can use different kinds of meat, vegetables, herbs, and cheese to suit your taste and preferences.
  • It is budget-friendly and economical. You can use leftover meat or vegetables, or buy cheap cuts of beef mince. You can also make a large batch and freeze it for later.
  • It is family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Everyone will love this dish, from kids to adults. You can serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the potatoes

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
  • Peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks. Put them in a large saucepan of cold water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pan.

Step 2: Cook the beef and vegetable mixture

  • Heat a large frying pan over high heat and add the beef mince. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add a splash of oil to the same pan. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute, stirring well.
  • Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Stir in the cooked beef mince and check the seasoning.

Step 3: Mash the potatoes and add cheese

  • Add the butter and milk to the potatoes and mash well until smooth and creamy. You can also use a hand mixer or a ricer for a smoother texture.
  • Stir in half of the cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble and bake the cottage pie

  • Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into a large baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread it evenly. Use a fork to create some ridges on the surface.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Enjoy your cottage pie

  • Let the cottage pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Cut into generous portions and serve with some green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
  • Enjoy your delicious Hairy Bikers cottage pie with your family or friends.

What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie?

Hairy Bikers cottage pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some side dishes to make it more enjoyable.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Green salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and dressing will add some freshness and crunch to your meal.
  • Steamed vegetables: You can steam some broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, or green beans and serve them with some butter or gravy.
  • Bread: You can serve some crusty bread or rolls to mop up the sauce and the potato topping.
  • Wine: You can pair your cottage pie with a red wine, such as a Shiraz, a Merlot, or a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cottage Pie Hairy Bikers

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie

To make your cottage pie even more delicious and perfect, here are some pro tips to follow:

  • Use lean beef mince for a healthier option. You can also drain the excess fat after browning the meat to reduce the grease.
  • Season the meat and vegetable mixture well with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. You can also add some red wine or beer for extra flavor.
  • Use a potato ricer or a hand mixer to make smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. You can also add some sour cream or cream cheese for more richness.
  • Sprinkle some cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. You can use cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or any cheese you like.
  • Make some ridges on the surface of the mashed potatoes with a fork. This will create more texture and crispiness when baked.
  • Bake the cottage pie until golden and bubbly. You can also broil it for a few minutes at the end to brown the cheese.

Variations of Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie

You can also try some variations of Hairy Bikers cottage pie to make it different and exciting.

Here are some ideas:

  • Shepherd’s pie: Instead of beef mince, use lamb mince for a more authentic flavor. You can also add some mint sauce or jelly to the meat mixture.
  • Veggie cottage pie: Instead of meat, use lentils, beans, mushrooms, or soy mince for a vegetarian option. You can also add some cheese or nutritional yeast to the vegetable mixture for more protein.
  • Sweet potato cottage pie: Instead of white potatoes, use sweet potatoes for the topping. You can also add some cinnamon or nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes for more sweetness.
  • Fish pie: Instead of meat, use fish fillets or chunks for a lighter option. You can also add some cream or cheese to the fish mixture for more creaminess.

How do I store Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie?

You can store Hairy Bikers cottage pie in the fridge or freezer for later consumption.

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Let the cottage pie cool completely before storing it.
  • Transfer the cottage pie to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Label the container or wrap it with the date and name of the dish.

How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie?

You can reheat Hairy Bikers cottage pie in the oven or microwave.

Here are the steps to follow:

  • If frozen, thaw the cottage pie in the fridge overnight or in the microwave on defrost mode.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 or set the microwave to high power.
  • Transfer the cottage pie to an oven-safe dish or a microwave-safe plate.
  • Cover the dish or plate with foil or a lid.
  • Reheat in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or in the microwave for 5 to 10 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
  • Remove the foil or lid and enjoy your cottage pie.

Nutrition value (per serving):

  • Calories: 247
  • Fat: 8.7g
  • Saturated fat: 4.1g
  • Carbohydrate: 23.9g
  • Sugars: 9.3g
  • Protein: 20.6g
  • Salt: 0.9g

Other Hairy Bikers Recipes to Try:

FAQs

What makes the Hairy Bikers’ Cottage Pie different from a traditional Cottage Pie?

The Hairy Bikers’ Cottage Pie stands out due to its rich, flavourful twist on the classic recipe. The duo incorporates a mix of lean minced beef and finely chopped bacon for depth of flavor, combined with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a hint of rosemary, which are not always found in traditional recipes. They also suggest using a combination of swede (rutabaga) and potatoes for the topping, adding a unique sweetness and texture that sets their cottage pie apart.

Can I make the Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie in advance, and how should I store it?

Absolutely! The Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie is an excellent dish for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble the pie but hold off on baking it until you’re ready to serve. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the dish well with foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. Always ensure it’s piping hot all the way through before serving.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie that maintains the original flavor profile?

Yes, the Hairy Bikers have a fabulous vegetarian version of their cottage pie that uses lentils and vegetables in place of meat. To keep the flavors consistent, they recommend using robust ingredients like chestnut mushrooms for umami and adding plenty of herbs for depth. Red lentils work particularly well as they absorb all the flavors of the gravy and provide a texture similar to minced beef.

Is cottage pie low-calorie?

Cottage pie can vary in calorie content based on the ingredients used. Traditional recipes may not be considered low-calorie due to the use of ground beef, butter, and potatoes. However, calorie content can be reduced by using leaner meat, cutting down on added fats, and using a mix of vegetables in the mash topping.

Who came up with cottage pie?

The concept of cottage pie originated in the United Kingdom during the late 1700s. It was devised by the rural poor, who lived in cottages and utilized leftover roasted meat, combined with potatoes which had become an affordable and accessible crop.

What’s the difference between Cumberland pie and cottage pie?

Cumberland pie is a variation of cottage pie and shares many similarities. The primary difference is that Cumberland pie often has a layer of breadcrumbs on top of the mashed potatoes, which is sometimes mixed with cheese, giving it a distinctively crunchy texture after baking.

What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?

The difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie primarily lies in the type of meat used. Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, while cottage pie is made with ground beef. Additionally, shepherd’s pie might include herbs like rosemary and thyme, which complement lamb, whereas cottage pie seasonings are tailored to beef.

Final Words

Hairy Bikers cottage pie is a delicious and easy recipe that you can make at home with some basic ingredients and equipment. It is a classic British dish that is hearty, comforting, and satisfying. It is perfect for a cold winter night or a family gathering. You can also customize it with different kinds of meat, vegetables, herbs, and cheese to suit your taste and preferences. You can also store it in the fridge or freezer for later consumption. I hope you enjoyed this recipe article and learned how to make Hairy Bikers cottage pie. If you did, please share it with your friends or leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading my food blog. Stay tuned for more recipes from me.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe article. If you did, please share it with your friends or leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading my food blog. Stay tuned for more recipes from me. Happy cooking!

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