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Mary Berry Cottage Pie with a Kick Recipe

Mary Berry Cottage Pie with a Kick
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Cottage pie is a traditional British dish made with minced beef cooked in a savoury gravy, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked until golden. Mary Berry’s “with a kick” version keeps the comforting base but introduces subtle spice—often through chilli flakes, Worcestershire sauce, or paprika—for an added depth of flavour. It’s a twist on the classic that delivers both warmth and richness without being overpowering.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 750g minced beef (10–12% fat)

  • 2 tbsp plain flour

  • 1 tbsp tomato purée

  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 400ml beef stock

  • 1 tsp chilli flakes or 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the topping:

  • 1kg floury potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward)

  • 75g butter

  • 100ml milk

  • 50g mature cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the base

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onions, carrots, and garlic, and cook until softened.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Add minced beef and cook over medium heat until browned all over.

Step 3: Build flavour

Stir in flour, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and chilli. Mix well to coat the meat.

Step 4: Simmer the filling

Pour in beef stock, bring to a simmer, and cook gently for 20–25 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.

Step 5: Prepare the mash

Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, then mash with butter and milk until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the pie

Spoon the beef mixture into an ovenproof dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the top, fluffing with a fork. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake until golden

 

Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-cottage-pie-with-a-kick/