How to make cottage pie with bisto gravy
If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal, look no further than cottage pie with Bisto gravy. This classic British dish combines tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with a rich gravy made with Bisto granules.
Traditionally, cottage pie is made with leftover roast beef or minced beef. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while creating a satisfying and delicious dinner. The Bisto gravy adds a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds begging for more.
To make cottage pie with Bisto gravy, start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any excess fat and add in diced onions, carrots, and peas. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, then sprinkle in flour to create a thickening agent for the gravy.
Next, pour in beef broth and stir until the mixture thickens. Add Bisto granules and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra boost of flavor. Let the mixture simmer while you prepare creamy mashed potatoes. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat and vegetable mixture, then place in the oven to bake until golden and bubbly.
Serve your cottage pie with a generous dollop of Bisto gravy and enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of this classic British dish. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a dinner party, cottage pie with Bisto gravy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-step Guide: How to Make Cottage Pie with Bisto Gravy
Making cottage pie with bisto gravy is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Follow these easy steps to create a tasty cottage pie with rich Bisto gravy.
Ingredients:
- 500g minced beef
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- 200ml of beef stock
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1kg of potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 100g of unsalted butter
- 100ml of milk
- 4 tablespoons of Bisto gravy granules
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots, and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- While the filling is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then drain and mash them with the unsalted butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the filling to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top. Use a fork to create a pattern on the surface.
- Bake the cottage pie in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown.
- While the cottage pie is baking, make the Bisto gravy according to the instructions on the packet.
- Serve the cottage pie with a generous drizzle of Bisto gravy on top.
- Enjoy your delicious cottage pie with Bisto gravy!
Now you can impress your friends and family with your homemade cottage pie with Bisto gravy. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out!
Gather the Ingredients
To make a delicious cottage pie with Bisto gravy, you will need the following ingredients:
For the mashed potato topping:
- 800g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 50g unsalted butter
- 150ml milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the meat filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 500g minced beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 300ml beef stock
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking your cottage pie with Bisto gravy. Happy cooking!
Prepare the Meat Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
Ingredients:
- 500g minced beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 300ml beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables, such as peas or mushrooms.
In a large pan, brown the minced beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
TIP: To add extra depth of flavor to the meat filling, you can also add herbs or spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
In a small bowl, mix the tomato purée with the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, then pour it into the pan. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to thicken.
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornflour with water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the meat filling, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Note: Some people like to add a bit of red wine or gravy browning for extra richness and color, but these are optional.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
To make the mashed potatoes, you will need:
- 2 pounds of potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
1. Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into chunks.
2. Rinse the potatoes with cold water to remove any excess starch.
3. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
4. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
6. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
7. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
8. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
9. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. The mashed potatoes are now ready to be used for the cottage pie.
Assemble and Bake the Cottage Pie
After your meat and vegetable mixture is fully cooked and seasoned, it’s time to assemble your cottage pie and get it ready for baking. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meat and vegetable mixture is cooking, prepare your mashed potatoes. Peel and chop about 900 grams of potatoes and place them in a large pot. Add water and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Drain the potatoes, add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy.
2. Grease and Layer the Ingredients
Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread a layer of the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Press it down gently with a spoon or spatula.
On top of the meat and vegetable mixture, add a second layer of cooked vegetables. This layer could include options like cooked peas or carrots. Alternatively, you can skip this layer and proceed directly to the mashed potatoes.
The final layer should be the mashed potatoes. Spoon the mashed potatoes onto the second layer or directly onto the meat and vegetable mixture, if you omitted the second layer. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly, covering the entire surface.
3. Create a Fluffy Top
To create a fluffy top, use a fork to make decorative lines or swirls on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
4. Bake the Cottage Pie
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the mashed potato topping is golden and the pie is heated through. If desired, you can place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes to achieve a perfectly golden and crispy top.
Once baked, remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the pie to set and makes it easier to cut and portion.
Enjoy your homemade cottage pie with Bisto gravy as a delicious and comforting meal.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your cottage pie is cooked to perfection and bubbling with delicious goodness, it’s time to serve and enjoy.
Start by carefully removing the cottage pie from the oven and allowing it to cool for a few minutes. This will not only prevent any potential burns, but it will also make it easier to serve.
To serve the cottage pie, use a spoon or a spatula to carefully transfer portions onto individual plates. The creamy mashed potato topping should be golden and crispy on top, with a flavorful meat and vegetable filling peeking through underneath.
If you want to take your cottage pie presentation to the next level, garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives. Not only will this add a pop of color, but it will also give a hint of freshness to the dish.
For additional topping options, consider serving the cottage pie with a dollop of creamy mashed potato, a side of steamed vegetables, or a helping of crusty bread. These sides will complement the richness of the pie and add some variety to your meal.
To enhance the flavors of the cottage pie even further, drizzle Bisto gravy over each portion. The thick and savory gravy will add an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite. Serve additional Bisto gravy in a separate jug or gravy boat on the table, allowing your guests to help themselves to more if desired.
Sit down with your loved ones, take a bite of this comforting and hearty dish, and savor the delicious flavors. The combination of tender meat, vibrant vegetables, creamy potato topping, and rich Bisto gravy makes this cottage pie an all-time favorite. Enjoy!
| Ingredients |
|---|
| 500g minced beef |
| 1 onion, finely chopped |
| 2 carrots, peeled and diced |
| 2 cloves of garlic, minced |
| 400g tin of chopped tomatoes |
| 200ml beef stock |
| 1 tbsp tomato puree |
| Worcestershire sauce, to taste |
| 1kg potatoes, peeled and quartered |
| 75g butter |
| 75ml milk |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
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