18 Simple Cottage Pie Recipe South Africa You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 9, 2024
Cottage pie is a classic South African dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty meal is made with simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal that is budget-friendly and easy to make, then look no further than this simple cottage pie recipe.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Canola Oil, Curry Leaves, Minced
The first recipe on our list is a unique and flavorful take on traditional cottage pie. Bunny Chow is a popular South African dish that originated in Durban, consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. In this version, we replace the curry with a hearty mixture of ground chicken, vegetables, and spices to create a delicious and filling meal. The bread serves as a tasty vessel for the chicken mixture, making it a fun and interactive dish to serve at parties or family gatherings.
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Shepherd's Pie (aka. Cottage Pie)
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Butter, Milk, Garlic Powder, Ground
Next up, we have the classic Shepherd's Pie, also known as Cottage Pie. This dish originated in the United Kingdom and has become a staple in many households worldwide. It consists of a savory mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and gravy, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for cold winter nights or when you need a satisfying meal to feed a crowd.
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Traditional Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Extra Lean Ground Beef, Diced Onion, Diced Celery
If you're looking for a more traditional version of Cottage Pie, this recipe is for you. It features all the classic ingredients, including ground beef, carrots, peas, and a rich gravy. But what sets this recipe apart is the addition of Worcestershire sauce, which adds a depth of flavor and tanginess to the dish. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Beef Gravy, Salt, Pepper, Thyme
This recipe is a twist on the classic Cottage Pie, using ground chicken instead of beef. It's a lighter and healthier option without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors. The chicken is mixed with a medley of vegetables and topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. It's a quick and easy dish that the whole family will love.
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Bobotie – Savory ground meat custard from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Whole Milk, Large Eggs, White Bread
Bobotie is a popular South African dish that is similar to Cottage Pie but with a unique twist. It features a layer of savory ground beef, topped with a custard-like mixture made from eggs and milk. The result is a creamy and rich dish with a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it with a side of chutney for an authentic South African experience.
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Classic British Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Chicken Mince, Chopped Garlic, Onions, Oil, Salt, Black
This recipe stays true to the traditional British version of Cottage Pie, using ground beef, carrots, peas, and a rich gravy. But what makes it stand out is the addition of red wine and rosemary, which add a depth of flavor and aroma to the dish. It's the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a chilly evening.
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Southern Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Red Potatoes, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cream
This version of Cottage Pie is a southern take on the classic dish, using ground turkey instead of beef. It's a lighter and healthier option without sacrificing any of the flavors. The turkey is mixed with a homemade spice blend and topped with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes, giving it a unique and delicious twist.
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Leftovers Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Frozen Vegetables, Olive
If you have some leftover roast chicken, this recipe is the perfect way to use it up. It combines shredded chicken with vegetables and gravy, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. It's a great way to repurpose leftovers and create a whole new meal that your family will love.
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Irish Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Roast Beef, Onions, Carrots, Chopped
This Irish-inspired version of Cottage Pie features a layer of ground lamb, which adds a rich and gamey flavor to the dish. It's also topped with a layer of mashed parsnips and carrots, giving it a unique and delicious twist. Serve it with a side of Irish soda bread for a complete and authentic meal.
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Easy Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Mashed Potatoes, Ground Beef, Green Beans, Carrots
For a quick and easy version of Cottage Pie, this recipe is perfect. It uses store-bought pie crust instead of mashed potatoes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The filling is a mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and gravy, creating a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
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Cosy Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Whole Milk, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Onion, Lean
This Cottage Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and flavorful filling of ground beef, vegetables, and gravy. It's topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown and bubbly. This dish is sure to warm you up and make you feel cozy on even the coldest of days.
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Guinness Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted
For a unique and delicious twist on Cottage Pie, try this Guinness-infused recipe. The dark beer adds a rich and hearty flavor to the dish, making it perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any time you want a heartier version of the classic. It's topped with a layer of cheesy mashed potatoes, taking it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie)
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Butter, Cream Cheese, Salt, Ground
This classic Shepherd's Pie recipe is a staple in many households, and for a good reason. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. This version uses a combination of ground beef and ground lamb for a more complex and flavorful filling. It's topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and delicious.
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Pumpkin Bredie (South Africa)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Lamb, Onions, Chili Pepper, Water, Pumpkin, Ground
This South African dish is a unique and delicious take on Cottage Pie. It features a layer of pumpkin, which adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. It's mixed with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful filling that is topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a new and exciting twist on the classic.
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The Best Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Leeks, Carrots, Beef Short Ribs, Tomato
This recipe truly lives up to its name and is indeed the best Cottage Pie you'll ever taste. It features a rich and flavorful filling of ground beef, vegetables, and gravy, topped with a layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. The addition of cheddar cheese in the mashed potatoes takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Gran's Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Beef Mince, Onion, Carrot, Celery Sticks, Red Pepper
This recipe is a nostalgic and heartwarming dish that will remind you of your grandmother's cooking. It features a classic filling of ground beef and vegetables, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The secret ingredient in this recipe is tomato ketchup, which adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish.
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Vegan ‘Cottage Pie’
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Stock Cubes, Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Large
For all the vegans out there, this recipe is for you. It features a filling of lentils and vegetables, topped with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes. The result is a hearty and delicious meal that is completely plant-based. This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a healthier and lighter version of Cottage Pie.
The History of Cottage Pie
The Origins
The origins of cottage pie can be traced back to the 18th century in Great Britain. It was originally known as "cottage pie" because it was a popular dish among rural peasants who lived in cottages. The dish was created as a way to use up leftover meat and vegetables, making it a thrifty and economical meal. Over time, the recipe evolved and spread to other parts of the world, including South Africa.
A South African Twist
In South Africa, cottage pie is often referred to as "shepherd's pie" and is made with minced beef instead of lamb. This change was made due to the fact that lamb was not as readily available or affordable in South Africa as it was in Britain. The dish also often includes a variety of spices and herbs, giving it a unique and flavorful twist.
The Recipe
Ingredients
To make this simple cottage pie recipe, you will need:
1kg minced beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tin of diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 cup of beef broth
4 cups of mashed potatoes
1 cup of shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
In a large pan, cook the minced beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the pan and cook until softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pie is heated through.
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy Your Simple Cottage Pie
This simple cottage pie recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner or a dish to impress your family and friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and see for yourself why cottage pie has stood the test of time as a beloved South African dish.