Slow Cooker Minced Beef Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash

Servings

Cooking time may not change in direct proportion to servings.

Recommended slow-cooker size: 3.5 litre

• 3.5-litre slow cooker
• Large frying pan
• Large saucepan
• Potato masher
• Ovenproof baking dish
• Grill

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 500 g beef mince
• 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 500 ml hot beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 150 g frozen peas
• 800 g floury potatoes, peeled and cut into even chunks
• 40 g butter
• 100 ml milk, warmed
• 75 g mature Cheddar, grated
• ½ teaspoon fine salt, plus extra for the potatoes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
6. 6
7. 7
8. 8
9. 9

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef mince and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off excess fat if necessary.