SOUTHWESTERN COTTAGE PIE

So what do you get when you combine a long time pub favorite with southwest flavors? You get this: Southwestern Cottage Pie.

First, what is Cottage Pie? It’s a Shepherd’s Pie using ground beef instead of ground lamb. Honestly, I’m not a fan of ground lamb, so I prefer this G.B. version. Also, whether it’s Cottage or Shepherd’s Pie, it can be (in my opinion) a little bland. Let’s face it…it’s ground beef and mashed potatoes! So, with a few southwestern style ingredients added, this version raises up the flavor and spice level a bit.

The photo of it is not very photogenic…but, the flavors are fantastic!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean grund beef

• Kosher salt and black pepper

• 1/2 cup, white onion, 1/4 inch chop

• 1/2 cup carrots, 1/2 inch chop

• 1/2 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tbsp Chile powder

• 1 small can diced roasted green chiles

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup beef stock

• 1/2 cup salsa

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire

• 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cut into 12 little cubes

• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cooked, mashed with butter and cream

Directions:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and the diced onion. Break up the ground beef and cook until the ground beef is no longer pink and it is browned. Drain the excess grease from the pan. Add the tomato paste and stir in thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper, chile powder, garlic, and cumin.

• Add the beef stock, salsa, carrots, green chiles, Worcestershire, herbs, and bay leaf and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. Taste and reseason if necessary. Remove the bay leaf and stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the peas.

• Place the meat mixture in a baking dish or casserole. Spread the cream mashed potatoes evenly over the top leaving a 1/4 space around the edges. Then make ridges all over with a fork. Add the butter cubes evenly over the top.

• Bake at 375 degrees about 30 minutes. Raise heat to Broil and bake until it is golden brown and bubbly, another 3 minutes or so.