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Cheesy Cottage Pie

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A heartwarming casserole layered with creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, making it the perfect comfort food.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup sliced carrots (fresh or frozen)
  • lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Boil potatoes in a large pot of generously salted water until fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and mash them with butter and milk until dreamy and creamy. Adjust with more milk if desired for your preferred consistency.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary and season with salt and black pepper.
  8. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then sprinkle in the flour, mixing well for another minute to coat the meat.
  9. Pour in the beef broth while stirring, allowing it to thicken and create a luscious sauce. After thickening, add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, then let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  10. Stir in frozen peas and sliced carrots, ensuring everything is well combined.
  11. Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  12. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes atop the beef and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
  13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns.
  14. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the flavors meld and makes scooping easier. Try adding your favorite vegetables for variations.

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