If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and flavor, look no further than this Spiced-Up Cottage Pie, a delightful twist on the classic shepherd’s pie that brings a bold explosion of taste to your dinner table. Using ground beef as the base, this recipe incorporates a medley of vibrant vegetables like butternut squash and carrots, complemented by aromatic spices that really elevate the dish. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something hearty, this pie is your ticket to savory satisfaction.
This dish not only warms you up but also provides a nutritious option that is gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Topping it off with a creamy mash of sweet potatoes and cauliflower adds an exciting layer of flavor and texture that you won’t find in traditional recipes. With an easy preparation process, you can serve this delicious pie to friends and family any day of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Spiced-Up Cottage Pie
This Spiced-Up Cottage Pie offers an array of benefits that make it a must-try dish:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, fresh vegetables, and tender beef creates a dynamic flavor profile.
- Health-Conscious: A gluten-free dish that provides a nutritious balance of protein and veggies.
- Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe ideal even for weeknight meals.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers in smaller containers for an easy lunch option.
- Comfort Food: A modern twist on a classic that brings a cozy feel to your dining table.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this Spiced-Up Cottage Pie, let’s prepare your kitchen and gather all the tools you need to ensure a seamless cooking experience. Begin by organizing your workspace and making sure you have ample counter space for chopping vegetables and mixing ingredients. You’ll need a 9” x 13” casserole dish for baking the pie, a large sauté pan for cooking the beef and vegetables, and a pot for steaming the cauliflower. Additionally, have a baking sheet ready for roasting the sweet potatoes. Don’t forget essential prep tools like a cutting board, sharp knife, masher or blender for the topping, and measuring spoons to ensure you add the right amount of spices. Setting everything out ahead of time can help keep your cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your savory Spiced-Up Cottage Pie:
- 1 pkg ground beef (ButcherBox recommended)
- 1 cup butternut squash, small dice
- 1 cup carrots, small dice
- 1 cup peas (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 can (15.5 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp muchi curry powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ⅓ cup beef stock
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 sweet potatoes
- ½ tsp muchi curry powder (for topping)
- ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt (for topping)
- 1 tsp ghee
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, rinse your sweet potatoes and poke them twice with a fork. This will allow steam to escape while they roast. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for about an hour, or until they are tender. Once done, allow them to cool just enough to handle and then peel off the skin.
Next, cut the cauliflower into florets and steam them for roughly 10 minutes or until fork-tender. After steaming, you can mash or puree the roasted sweet potatoes and steamed cauliflower together with the spices and ghee until you achieve a smooth texture. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetable Filling
To begin creating the flavorful filling, heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook for about a minute until it begins to brown. Once the beef starts to cook through, add minced garlic, diced onion, butternut squash, diced carrots, and your spices including cinnamon, muchi curry powder, and garam masala. Sauté these ingredients together until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, add the tomato paste, and incorporate the beef stock to keep everything moist. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional three minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the filling is ready, remove it from the heat and gently fold in the drained garbanzo beans and frozen peas, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Now that your filling and topping are prepared, it’s time to assemble your Spiced-Up Cottage Pie. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9” x 13” casserole dish. Alternatively, for meal prepping, you can divide the filling into smaller oven-safe containers. Top the filling generously with the mashed sweet potato and cauliflower mixture, spreading it evenly across the top.
Finally, place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Once the time is up, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve warm to enjoy. Your dish not only takes the comfort of shepherd’s pie to new heights but also delights with its rich and spiced flavors!
Variations
There are several ways to customize your Spiced-Up Cottage Pie to suit your taste preferences:
- Protein: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Mix in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and colors.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as cumin or paprika for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
Here are some helpful tips and notes for making the best Spiced-Up Cottage Pie:
- Roasting your sweet potatoes adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Cover with foil if the topping begins to brown too quickly during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs excellently with several sides, enhancing the overall dining experience:
- Serve with a light green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Add a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for extra veggies.
Tips
To elevate your cooking experience, consider the following tips:
- Use a high-quality ground beef for a more flavorful filling.
- Make sure to season each layer well for optimal flavor.
- If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- For freezing, make sure to cool each portion before sealing to preserve freshness.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives work well for this dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers; just make sure to cool completely before sealing.
What can I serve with this dish?
Consider pairing it with a refreshing green salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Your journey into the world of comforting and flavorsome dinners can start with this Spiced-Up Cottage Pie. Not only does this dish bring warmth and deep flavors to your table, but it also provides a great way to enjoy nutritious ingredients all in one delicious bake. It’s simple to prepare and sure to impress family and friends alike. Be adventurous and try out some of the variations provided or explore your own twist on this recipe. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed it—please leave a comment below, share with friends, or even post your own variations! Here’s to cooking up a delicious storm!
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Spiced-Up Cottage Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A delightful twist on the classic shepherd’s pie that brings a bold explosion of taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg ground beef (ButcherBox recommended)
- 1 cup butternut squash, small dice
- 1 cup carrots, small dice
- 1 cup peas (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 can (15.5 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp muchi curry powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ⅓ cup beef stock
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 sweet potatoes
- ½ tsp muchi curry powder (for topping)
- ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt (for topping)
- 1 tsp ghee
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse and poke the sweet potatoes, then roast for about an hour until tender. Allow them to cool and peel.
- Cut cauliflower into florets and steam for 10 minutes until fork-tender. Mash together with the sweet potatoes, spices, and ghee.
- In a large sauté pan, cook ground beef until browned. Add garlic, onion, squash, carrots, and spices. Cook until softened.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and beef stock. Cook for an additional three minutes, then fold in garbanzo beans and peas.
- Pour mixture into a 9” x 13” casserole dish and top with the mashed sweet potato and cauliflower mixture. Bake for 30 minutes and serve warm.
Notes
Roasting sweet potatoes enhances flavor. Uniformly cut vegetables for even cooking. Adjust spices as needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Protein: 25 g