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Cottage Pie

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Savory Pie
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 -8
Author: Kate McDermott-Art of the Pie

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons thyme dry is just fine---or 1 tablespoon fresh leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 gratings nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 medium yellow onions peeled and chopped small
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled and diced
  • 2 large carrots grated
  • 2.5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup stock vegetable, beef, or chicken
  • 2 pounds potatoes peeled and cut in quarters
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Heat up a big frying pan over medium high heat and add the meat and seasonings and cook until the meat no longer looks pink. You can break it up a bit as you are cooking it.
  • Add the vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes longer.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and stir and cook for a few minutes more.
  • Add the stock, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
  • In another pot, cover the potatoes with water, plus 1 teaspoon salt and boil until they are tender about 20 minutes. Drain well and put them back into the pot with the butter and 2/3 cup of the cheese, and thyme.
  • Mash until smooth.
  • Add salt and pepper to your taste.
  • Spoon the meat mixture into a deep dish pie pan or a large baking dish. Cover with the potato mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese over the top.
  • Bake for another 30 minutes.