This Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Recipe is a hearty and comforting recipe, which uses minced beef and cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 500g minced beef
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 400ml beef stock
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheesy Mash:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 50g butter
- 75ml milk
- 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated

How To Make Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash
- Prepare the filling base: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or flameproof casserole over medium heat. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef: Increase heat to high, add minced beef, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Create the sauce: Sprinkle flour over beef and vegetables; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato purée, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Simmer and prepare for baking: Cover and simmer 20–60 minutes to deepen flavours. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Make the cheesy mash: Boil potatoes 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain, mash, then beat in butter, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon beef filling into an ovenproof dish. Top with cheesy mash, spread evenly, and pattern with a fork. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top. Bake 25–30 minutes until topping is golden and filling bubbling. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips
- How to make the mash extra creamy? Use a potato ricer for smoother texture.
- Can I use other cheese? Yes, Gruyère or Red Leicester adds different flavours.
- Can I prepare ahead? Assemble the pie, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
- How to prevent a watery filling? Simmer the beef mixture uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Serving suggestion? Serve with steamed green vegetables or a fresh side salad.
What To Serve With Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash
- Steamed green beans or peas
- Garden salad
- Pickles or chutney

How To Store Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in oven until piping hot.
Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 33g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use minced lamb instead of beef?
Yes, it will give a richer flavour; adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I make the cheesy mash ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mash, cover, and refrigerate; bake assembled pie before serving.
Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes, peas, corn, or mushrooms work well.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers American Chicken Wings Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: British6
servings20
minutes2
hours595
kcalA classic cottage pie topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
500g minced beef
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp tomato purée
400ml beef stock
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper
1 kg potatoes, chopped
50g butter
75ml milk
100g cheddar cheese
Directions
- Cook onion, carrots, celery in oil 5–7 min.
- Brown minced beef; drain fat.
- Add flour, tomato purée, stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme; simmer.
- Boil potatoes 15–20 min; mash with butter, milk, half cheese.
- Assemble beef and mash in dish; sprinkle remaining cheese.
- Bake 25–30 min until golden and bubbling; serve.
