Eating well and staying within budget can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be.
Our Cheap Eats with Manx Meat budget-friendly recipes continue with this fabulous take on the timeless and wonderfully filling cottage pie.
As with our previous (and super tasty!) homemade lasagne, this recipe is made with 100% Manx beef mince for a rich flavour that doesn’t break the bank, meaning you can create a sensational dish using the best local produce at a price you can afford.
See our list of approved suppliers to find out where you can buy Manx meat — and don’t be afraid to ask your friendly local butcher for advice on how to get the most from value cuts.
CLASSIC COTTAGE PIE
▹ Serves 4–6 people
▹ Prep Time: 30 mins
▹ Cooking Time: 1 hour
TOP TIP: Add around 150g of good strong local cheddar to the mash for a truly delicious treat.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 500g Manx beef mince
• 150g frozen peas
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sunflower, vegetable or olive oil
• 500ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 30g butter
• 300ml milk
METHOD
1. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of the oil and cook the carrots, onions, and garlic over medium heat until the onions are translucent.
2. Add the Manx beef mince to the pan and cook until nicely browned. This should take around 5–10 minutes. You may need to add a bit more oil at this stage to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Alternatively, you can brown the meat in batches in a separate pan and add it to the vegetables at the next stage.
3. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and mix well for 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in the frozen peas, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and beef stock.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 10–15 minutes.
6. Fill a separate pot with cold water and a sprinkle of salt. Add the diced potatoes and bring to the boil, simmering the potatoes until they’re tender but not falling apart. Drain and mash the potatoes with the butter and milk. You might want to add a little more or less of the butter and milk depending on how you prefer the texture of your mash.
7. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 7.
8. Spoon the beef mixture into the bottom of an ovenproof dish.
9. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
10. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
11. Serve with your favourite vegetables for a hearty, nourishing meal. Any leftovers? Pop them in the freezer for next time!
Fancy having a go at another value recipe? Click here and cook up our classic homemade lasagne.
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