Beef and cauliflower cottage pie is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef with tender cauliflower topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
With layers of flavorful beef and vegetables, this dish is sure to warm you up on chilly evenings.
Plus, using cauliflower instead of traditional mashed potatoes adds a nutritious twist to this comforting favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner option, this beef and cauliflower cottage pie is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 lb
- Cauliflower, chopped into florets – 1 small head
- Potatoes, peeled and diced – 2 large
- Onion, finely chopped – 1
- Carrot, diced – 1
- Celery, diced – 1 stalk
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
- Beef broth – 1 cup
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh thyme leaves – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Milk – 1/4 cup
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- Potato masher
- Baking dish
Instructions
Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Cook Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add Seasonings and Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
Assemble Cottage Pie:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and cauliflower mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top in an even layer.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Facts
Servings: About 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 25g
Health Benefits
The “Beef and Cauliflower Cottage Pie Recipe” can offer several health benefits, particularly when prepared with lean beef and minimal added fats. Here are some potential benefits:
Lean Beef:
Beef is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health.
Lean cuts of beef are lower in saturated fat and calories compared to fattier cuts, making them a healthier choice. Protein also helps promote satiety and can aid in weight management.
Cauliflower:
Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and choline.
Cauliflower is also rich in antioxidants like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have been linked to reduced inflammation and a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Vegetable Content:
The recipe typically includes other vegetables such as carrots, onions, and peas, which add flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
These vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Reduced Fat Content:
By using lean beef and minimizing added fats in the recipe, you can reduce the overall saturated fat and calorie content of the dish.
This can help support heart health and weight management goals.
Portion Control:
Enjoying the beef and cauliflower cottage pie in moderation and paying attention to portion sizes can help prevent overconsumption of calories and unhealthy fats.
Portion control is key to maintaining a balanced diet and achieving nutritional goals.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought:
Making the cottage pie at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, reduce the amount of added salt and preservatives, and customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Store-bought versions may contain higher levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
Overall, the Beef and Cauliflower Cottage Pie Recipe can be a satisfying and nutritious meal option when prepared with lean beef, plenty of vegetables, and minimal added fats.
Enjoying it as part of a balanced diet along with other nutrient-rich foods can contribute to overall health and well-being.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the cottage pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time to ensure the filling is heated through.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Yes, feel free to add grated cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor. Simply fold it in after mashing.
5. Can I use other vegetables in the filling?
Certainly! You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.