Simple Cottage Pie

Comfort food that actually works for family life

Calories: ~500–600 per adult serving

Time: 45 minutes

Style: Comforting • Family-friendly • Freezer-friendly

This is a classic cottage pie made a little more nourishing - plenty of veg stirred through the mince for additional fibre, a smooth mash topping, and flavours everyone recognises. No separate meals, no fuss.

Why this works for mums

• High-protein and fibre-rich

• Familiar flavours kids are comfortable with

• Feels like proper comfort food

• Easy to batch cook and reheat

Ingredients (Serves 4 adults + little ones)

Mince layer

• 500g 5% beef mince

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 1 carrot, finely diced

• 1 courgette, finely diced

• 1 stick celery, very finely chopped (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional – add after baby portions)

• 300ml low-salt beef stock

Mash topping

• 750g potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 30g butter

• 50–75ml semi-skimmed milk

Method

Mince layer

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add onion, carrot, courgette and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and beef mince. Break up well and cook until browned.

4. Stir in tomato purée.
   If cooking for babies or toddlers, portion theirs out here before adding Worcestershire sauce.

5. Add Worcestershire sauce (if using) and stock.

6. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until thick and rich.

Mash topping

1. Boil potatoes in unsalted water until soft.

2. Drain, mash with butter and milk until smooth.

Assemble & bake

1. Spoon mince into a baking dish.

2. Top with mash and smooth with a fork.

3. Bake at 190°C (fan 170°C) for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions (to add more veg)

Serve cottage pie with one of the following to easily increase veg and fibre:

• Steamed greens (broccoli, green beans or spring greens)
  Simple, familiar and easy for kids to accept.

• Peas
  Fresh or frozen, stirred through at the table or served on the side.

• Roasted carrots or parsnips
  Adds natural sweetness that pairs well with the savoury mince.

• Buttered cabbage or leeks
  Soft texture and mild flavour, great for younger children.

• Side salad for adults
  Something simple like lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes for freshness.

Baby, Toddler & Weaning Notes

• No added salt

• Veg finely diced for easy eating

• Mash can be thinned with milk or stock

• Suitable for spoon-feeding or baby-led weaning once cooled

• Freezes well in individual portions

Easy Swaps

• Beef → turkey or lamb mince

• Potato mash → half potato, half cauliflower

• Add peas or sweetcorn to the mince if liked

• Top with a small amount of cheese for adults