There is nothing nicer when the weather turns a little colder than a warm Cottage Pie in your tummy. It’s filling, tasty, is easy to make and doesn’t cost the earth.
This is a real pleaser of a dish for my family. When I shout that dinner is ready, everyone is sitting at the table in double speed, and quietly (!) ready to have their supper. That in itself makes me smile. There is very often nothing left on the plate and if there are any left overs, they heat up well in the microwave the next day for lunch.
I also find this is a really good dish that freezes well. Once it’s made (as tempting as it might be to start eating it immediately!), let it cool and pop it into the freezer for dinner another day.
As ever, the cost of cooking this dish from scratch is low. Prices in the supermarket range up to £7 for a family size Cottage Pie!! Yes, £7! However, the price can drop to £3.65 for a Sainsburys basic 1.5kg. However, who knows what actually goes in it?
Rather than buying a ready meal, why not make this for cheaper?
Oh, and we always serve ours with bakes beans – it’s a must. I know some people frown upon it, but that’s just that way we roll in the Skint household I’m afraid. Please don’t hold it against me 🙂
- 500g minced beef (£1.99)
- 1 onion, chopped (12p)
- 2 carrots, chopped (12p)
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed (10p)
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes (31p)
- 2tbsp tomato purée (8p)
- 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce (9p)
- 1tsp mixed herbs (2p)
- 200ml beef stock (2p)
- Pinch of salt and pepper (1p)
- 1tbsp oil (1p)
- 750g potatoes (53p)
- 25g marg/butter (4p)
- 10ml milk (4p)
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the carrot, onions and garlic.
- Add in the beef and fry until browned.
- Add all the other ingredients to the pan, give it a stir and leave it to simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In the meantime, boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them with the butter and milk.
- After 45 minutes, add the filling to a oven proof dish and top with the mashed potato.
- Place under a preheated grill until it starts to brown
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Ricky Willis is the original Skint Dad. A money-making enthusiast, father, and husband to Naomi. He is always looking for unique ways to earn a little extra.
I, too am a frugal cook and always add a handful of porridge oats into a cottage/shepherds pie. When it absorbs the gravy/sauce, you really can’t tell that it’s not more mince and it will often make the meal stretch to an extra portion – I usually try to freeze one for a later date
I add more cheap veg to bulk out and less meat. Sweet corn, peas, mushrooms, celery etc.
I love cottage pie, particularly in the autumn and winter months. Thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂 x
One of our staples too Rick. But baked beans… oooh. I do sometimes bung a handful of lentils in though, so not too different.