Cottage pie is a hearty British dish consisting of minced beef, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked until golden brown. It's often likened to shepherd's pie, but instead of lamb, it features beef. Originating in the late 18th century, it was a thrifty way for households to use up leftover meat, particularly beef, by combining it with vegetables and topping it with inexpensive mashed potatoes. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food, cherished for its rich flavors and simplicity.

Ingredients:

- 500g minced beef

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 carrots, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 300ml beef stock

- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped

- 50g butter

- 100ml milk

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. In a large pan, brown the minced beef over medium heat until cooked through. Remove any excess fat.

3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are softened.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

5. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a separate pot until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.

6. Transfer the beef mixture to an ovenproof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top evenly.

7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious cottage pie!

Nutrition Value:

1. 500g minced beef:

  - Calories: Approximately 1000 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 80g

  - Fat: Approximately 75g

  - Sodium: Approximately 200mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 250mg

benefits: Rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

2. 1 onion, finely chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 44 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 4mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

benefits: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

3. 2 carrots, diced:

  - Calories: Approximately 50 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 42mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

benefits: Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), fiber, and vitamin K.

4. 2 cloves of garlic, minced:

  - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

  - Protein: Approximately 0g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

benefits: Contains allicin, which has antimicrobial properties, and is a good source of manganese and vitamin C.

5. 2 tablespoons tomato paste:

  - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 20mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

benefits: High in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

6. 300ml beef stock:

  - Nutritional values vary depending on the brand and recipe. Beef stock generally contains minimal calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It contributes flavor and richness to the dish.

7. 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce:

  - Nutritional values vary depending on the brand. Typically low in calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat. May contain moderate sodium and negligible cholesterol. Contributes flavor and depth to the dish.

8. Salt and pepper to taste:

  - Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

  - Sodium content varies depending on the amount added.

9. 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 680 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 156g

  - Protein: Approximately 16g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 80mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

benefits: Excellent source of complex carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

10. 50g butter:

  - Calories: Approximately 360 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 0g

  - Fat: Approximately 40g

  - Sodium: Approximately 150mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 125mg

benefits: Rich in saturated fat and contains small amounts of vitamins A and D.

11. 100ml milk:

  - Calories: Approximately 50 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g

  - Protein: Approximately 3g

  - Fat: Approximately 2g

  - Sodium: Approximately 30mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 10mg

benefits: Good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Contains protein and essential fatty acids.