TRADITIONAL IRISH COTTAGE PIE (AKA SHEPHERD'S PIE) | KITCHEN DREAMING

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie (AKA Shepherd's Pie) | Kitchen Dreaming image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 lbs russet potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes)
3/4 cup milk (more or less for the desired creaminess of mashed potatoes)
4 tablespoons butter (more or less for the desired creaminess of mashed potatoes)
salt and pepper (, to taste)
1 large egg (, beaten)
1 medium onion (, finely chopped)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 medium carrots (diced)
1.5 lbs lean ground beef (, preferred 93% lean [See Note 1])
1.5 cups beef stock ([See note 2])
3 tablespoons tomato paste ([See Note 3])
1.5 teaspoons beef bouillon paste ([See Notes 4 & 5])
1/4 cup frozen peas ([See note 6])
1/2 tsp ground black pepper (, more or less to taste)
salt (, to taste [See Note 5])

Steps:

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a large saucepan, cover the potatoes in salted cold water, bring to the boil and simmer until tender. Drain well, then allow to steam-dry for a few mins. Mash well with the milk, butter, and cheese, then season with some salt and pepper.
Prepare the Filling: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (for step 3). Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots and saute about 5 mins. Add the lean ground beef and cook breaking up large pieces. Add the tomato paste, beef broth, beef bouillon, and fresh herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 mins. The gravy should be thick and coating the meat. Season to taste. Stir in the frozen peas and remove from the heat. [See Note 11]
Add the Topping: Spoon on the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef filling making sure to cover the entire surface. lightly brush the surface of the potatoes with a beaten egg, then score lines with a fork making a pattern.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.