Comfort Food Classics #5 - Cottage Pie

Shepherd's Pie is traditional British Pub food usually made with minced lamb.  I'm not a lamb fan so this casserole is made with ground beef - which makes it a Cottage Pie.  Whatever you want to call it, this pie is bubbling, warm and filling.  I just love the topping of the fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes covering the hot meat, vegetables and gravy!

I grew up with homemade mashed potatoes.  Peeled and boiled and mashed.  I have never bought a box of instant (cardboard) mashed potatoes.  I did find a short-cut to make this a quick, easy weeknight meal.  Ore-Ida has a product called Steam n' Mash.  Cut russet potatoes that you pop in the microwave.  Steam, mash and serve.  This was a 24 oz. bag and was the perfect amount to top off this pie.

For the filling, brown:

• 2 lbs. ground beef 85% lean
• 2 Tbsp. canola oil
• 1 cup each diced onion, carrot and celery
• 1 Tbsp. each minced garlic and fresh thyme

Stir in:

• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste

Stir in:

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp. coriander
• 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ginger
• 1 cup frozen green peas 

For the topping, arrange:

• 1   24 oz. bag frozen russet potatoes
• 4 Tbsp. butter, divided
• 1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Coat a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
Brown ground beef in a saute pan over medium-high heat, 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink.  Drain fat and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in same pan over medium heat and add onion, carrot and celery.  Sweat about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and thyme and cook about 1 minute.  Stir in flour and tomato paste and cook one more minute.
Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, wine, Worcestershire and Dijon;  bring to a boil, Reduce heat to low.  Stir in ground beef and peas; season with salt, pepper, coriander, ginger and cinnamon.  Simmer 15-20 minutes.

While filling is simmering, steam potatoes according to package directions. Mash until smooth, stir in milk and butter and salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer filling to prepared baking dish and place on a baking sheet.  Arrange potatoes on top of filling, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and add pieces of remaining butter.  Sprinkle with paprika if desired.  Bake pie 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and potatoes and cheese begin to brown.

Let pie cool 10-15 minutes before serving.

~Adapted from Irish Night -
Melt in your Mouth Monday
Sharing with Gooseberry Patch - Your Best Comfort Foods