Cottage Pie

 Derived from https://www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-classic-shepherds-pie/

Meat Filling Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
• 2 tsp dried parsley leaves
• 1 tsp dried rosemary leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

Potato Topping Ingredients

• 1½ - 2 lb russet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes), peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Potato Topping Procedure

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place potatoes in large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are fork tender, 10-15 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Let rest for 1 minute to evaporate any remaining liquid.
4. Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash potatoes and stir well.
5. Add parmesan cheese to the potatoes. Stir until well combined.

Meat Filling Procedure

1. Add oil to large skillet and heat over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the onions. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add flour and tomato paste. Stir until well incorporated and no clumps of tomato paste remain.
5. Add broth, frozen peas and carrots, and frozen corn. Bring the liquid to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Casserole Assembly Procedure

1. Oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F.
2. Pour meat mixture into a 9x9 (or 7x11) inch baking dish. Spread into an even layer. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat and spread evenly.

1. If the baking dish looks very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet so that the filling doesn’t bubble over into oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.