Ingredients

500 g lean beef mince
1 onion , chopped
1/4 cup plain flour
2 cups beef stock
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 teaspoon mixed herbs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
900 g potatoes , peeled
1 teaspoon margarine spread
1/3 cup warm milk
2 sheets reduced-fat frozen puff pastry
salt and pepper
Little Cottage Pies are a classic and easy-to-make British recipe that has been a family favorite for many generations. They are similar to Shepherds Pie, a dish with mashed potato, ground lamb or beef, and vegetables. The perfect family meal for any time of the year and can be served as a lunch or dinner. These little cottage pies can be made in individual servings or for a family-sized casserole. The warm and savory aroma of herbs and spices coming from the oven will have your taste buds going crazy. The creamy, buttery flavor of the mashed potatoes and juicy, tender beef is a match made in heaven.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced.
2.Cook potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain.
3.Mash potato with margarine spread and warm milk.
4.Meanwhile, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add mince and onion. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up mince, for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
5.Add flour and mixed herbs. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually stir in stock. Add mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and tomato sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until mixture comes to the boil.
6.Spoon mince mixture into six 1 1/2-cup capacity ovenproof dishes. Top with potato mixture. Cut pastry into circles big enough to cover dishes. Place over filling. Press edges to seal. Brush with egg. Cut a small cross in the top of each. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Serve.
7.

PROS

Little Cottage Pies are a classic British comfort food.
A delicious meal to warm you up on a chilly day.
The mix of ground beef, veggies, savory herbs, and fluffy mashed potatoes is a perfect combination of flavors.
They’re easy to make in advance and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

CONS

Although the little cottage pie is a delicious and hearty meal, it’s not the healthiest option.
The beef mixture and puff pastry are high in calories and saturated fat.
The addition of cream to the mash potatoes adds extra calories and fat.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lean beef is high in protein, zinc, and vitamin B12, important vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and healthy brain function. Mixed vegetables are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Potatoes are high in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. However, these health benefits are diminished due to the addition of flour and puff pastry which are simple carbohydrates that may have negative effects on blood sugar and insulin levels.

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