Cottage Pie with Pastry Base Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade cottage pie with a buttery pastry base - a delicious twist on the traditional recipe. This easy baking recipe combines crisp, golden shortcrust with savory beef filling and fluffy mashed potato topping, creating the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for family dinners.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

45 mins

Cook Time:

1 hour 30 mins

Serves:

1 pie (8 slices)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the pastry base:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">225g plain flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">110g cold unsalted butter, cubed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3-4 tbsp ice-cold water</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg yolk (for glazing)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the beef filling:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500g lean minced beef</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 carrots, diced into small cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 celery sticks, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp tomato purée</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 bay leaf</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml beef stock</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100ml red wine (optional, replace with more stock if preferred)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp plain flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the mashed potato topping:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1kg floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper), peeled and cut into chunks</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">75g butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml warm milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g mature cheddar cheese, grated (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and white pepper to taste</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">23-25cm round pie dish (at least 6cm deep)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Potato ricer or masher</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fork (for creating texture on potatoes)</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Start by making the pastry base. Place the flour and salt in a large bowl and add the cold cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Working with cold butter is crucial as it creates pockets of fat that, when baked, produce steam and create flaky layers in your pastry. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add the ice-cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a knife until the dough just comes together – it should be firm but not sticky. Cold water prevents the butter from melting before baking. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, preventing shrinkage during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> While the pastry is chilling, prepare your filling. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking gently for 8-10 minutes until softened but not browned. This creates a flavorful base called a mirepoix that will enhance your filling. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. The browning process (known as the Maillard reaction) develops rich, complex flavors in your meat. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Add the tomato purée and cook for another minute, then pour in the red wine if using. Allow the wine to bubble and reduce by half, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain concentrated flavors that will enrich your sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced. The mixture should be moist but not watery – too much liquid will make your pastry base soggy. Remove the bay leaf and check the seasoning. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the potatoes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> For the mashed potato topping, place the potato chunks in a large pan of cold, salted water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. Drain thoroughly and return to the hot pan for a minute to dry out – excess moisture will make your mash too wet. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Pass the potatoes through a ricer back into the pan (or mash thoroughly) for the smoothest result. Warm the milk slightly and add to the potatoes along with the butter. Beat until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Using warm milk and butter helps them incorporate more easily without cooling the potatoes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas 6). Take the pastry from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness, making it large enough to line your pie dish with a little overhang. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Carefully lift the pastry using your rolling pin and drape it into the pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners. Trim any excess, leaving a small overhang to allow for shrinkage. Prick the base all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles, then line with baking parchment and fill with baking beans or dried rice. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Blind bake the pastry for 15 minutes, then remove the beans and parchment. Brush the pastry all over with beaten egg yolk (which creates a moisture barrier) and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the base is just starting to color. The egg yolk seals the pastry, preventing the filling from making it soggy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4> Spoon the cooled meat filling into the pastry case, spreading it evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting at the edges to create a seal and prevent the filling from bubbling over. Use a fork to create textured peaks on the surface – these will become deliciously golden and crisp during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4> If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the potato topping. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 14</h4> Remove from the oven and let the pie stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve. The pastry base will remain crisp while the filling stays juicy and flavorful. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Cottage Pie with Pastry Base?

This cottage pie requires plain flour, butter, salt, water, minced beef, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, beef stock, red wine, potatoes, milk, and cheddar cheese. The three distinct layers need different ingredients for pastry, filling, and potato topping.

How to cook Cottage Pie with Pastry Base at home?

Learn how to cook Cottage Pie with Pastry Base by first blind-baking a homemade shortcrust pastry, then preparing a rich beef and vegetable filling with herbs and stock. Once cooled, add the filling to the pastry case, top with fluffy mashed potatoes, and bake until golden. The three distinct layers create a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Why add a pastry base to traditional cottage pie?

Adding a pastry base transforms traditional cottage pie by introducing a delightful textural contrast – crisp, buttery shortcrust beneath the savory filling and creamy potato top. It helps contain the juices, prevents the bottom from becoming soggy, and creates a more substantial, complete meal with three distinct layers.

Can you freeze this three-layered pie for later?

Yes, this three-layered pie freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with cling film and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until piping hot throughout. The pastry may lose some crispness but remains delicious.

What's the difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie?

The key difference is in the meat used: cottage pie is traditionally made with beef, while shepherd's pie uses lamb mince. Both feature a mashed potato topping, but this recipe adds a distinctive pastry base for extra texture. The name "shepherd's" reflects the association of shepherds with sheep.

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