Cottage Pie with a Difference

Elevate comfort food to a whole new level with this "Cottage Pie with a Difference," a delightful twist on the classic recipe that swaps the usual potato topping for creamy, buttery sweet potato mash. Perfectly seasoned minced beef is infused with the warm smokiness of paprika, balanced by sweet peas and rich Worcestershire sauce, then topped with velvety mashed sweet potatoes enriched with parmesan cheese for a mildly nutty kick. This hearty dish is baked to golden perfection and offers a healthier, flavor-packed alternative while retaining all the coziness of a traditional cottage pie. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the ultimate family meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrot, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, finely chopped
• 500 grams minced beef
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 milliliters beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 100 grams frozen peas
• 1 kilogram sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 30 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan or gas mark 6).

Step 2

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 5

Stir in the smoked paprika and tomato paste, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, and stir well to combine.

Step 7

Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the flavors to develop.

Step 8

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 9

Meanwhile, place the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender.

Step 10

Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with the milk, butter, and parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 11

Transfer the beef mixture to an ovenproof dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 12

Spoon the sweet potato mash on top, spreading it out to fully cover the beef mixture. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the mash if desired.

Step 13

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 14

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cottage Pie with a Difference!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2373.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2613.7

Total Fat 112.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 424.6mg	0%
Sodium 5236.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 256.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.5g	0%
Total Sugars 67.9g
Protein 144.7g	0%

Vitamin D 24.0IU	0%
Calcium 920.7mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 5116.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.7%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 39.2%