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Healthy Cottage Pie

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A lighter, wholesome version of the classic British cottage pie made with lean ground meat, plenty of vegetables, and a fluffy mashed potato or sweet potato topping for a nutritious yet comforting dinner.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  2. 1 tbsp olive oil
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 2 carrots, diced
  6. 2 celery stalks, diced
  7. 1 cup frozen peas
  8. 2 tbsp tomato paste
  9. 1 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  10. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  11. 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  12. Salt and pepper, to taste
  13. 2 lbs potatoes or sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  14. 1/2 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
  15. 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  1. Boil potatoes or sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk and butter or olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
  3. Add lean ground meat, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in peas.
  5. Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top, using a fork to create texture.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a lower-carb option.
  2. Add lentils to the filling for extra plant-based protein.
  3. Make it dairy-free with olive oil and plant-based milk.
  4. Swap sweet potatoes for a sweeter, nutrient-rich topping.
  5. Use ground chicken for a milder flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/healthy-cottage-pie/