Description
This Healthy Cottage Pie is a nutritious and hearty dish packed with hidden vegetables, making it both comforting and wholesome. Featuring a savory minced beef base enriched with tomatoes, carrots, and beans, topped with creamy sweet potato mash, it's a perfect main course that serves six and offers a balanced meal loaded with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and very finely chopped or crushed
- 500 g minced beef (10-12% fat ideally)
- 2 large carrots, washed and grated
- 400 g canned chopped tomato
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons cornflour
- 400 g canned haricot beans
Sweet Potato Mash
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- 60 g butter or olive oil (if preferred)
- Grated nutmeg to taste or ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Base: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Fry the finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced beef and garlic; cook while stirring until the beef is browned evenly.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the grated carrots, canned chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, mixed dried herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornflour with a splash of cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the pan. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. Then, fold in the canned haricot beans for added texture and nutrition.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash: While the meat simmers, peel (or scrub) and chop the sweet potatoes into small chunks. Simmer in boiling water for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add butter or olive oil and mash until smooth and lump-free, using a hand masher or a mixer.
- Assemble the Cottage Pie: Transfer the meat sauce into an ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the sweet potato mash over the top and use a fork to create decorative ridges for a nice texture on the surface.
- Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Bake the cottage pie for about 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potato topping is slightly browned and the pie is piping hot throughout.
Notes
- For a leaner version, use minced beef with 5% fat or substitute with turkey mince for a lighter take.
- Replace butter or olive oil in the mash with low-fat yogurt or cream cheese to reduce fat content.
- If short on time, after assembling, place the pie under a grill for a few minutes instead of baking. Since all components are pre-cooked, this method is quicker and still delicious.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
