Easy English Cottage Pie

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds of lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (such as oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil for cooking
• Mashed potatoes (use a ready-made mix or homemade recipe)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion in vegetable oil until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the flour, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the beef broth and mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce becomes thick.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly over the meat.
6. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
7. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on the ingredients provided and average values)

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 28g

Dish Characteristics:

• A comforting dish with a rich, beefy flavor.
• The mashed potatoes on top provide a creamy and smooth contrast to the hearty meat filling.
• Can be tailored to suit different tastes by adding different herbs or spices.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent dish for a family meal. My kids loved it!" - John Smith
2. "The flavor is just like my mom used to make. A perfect comfort food." - Emily Johnson
3. "I added some gravy to the meat mixture, which made it even more delicious." - Michael Brown

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
• If you want to add more flavor, consider using a variety of mixed herbs or adding a spoonful of mustard to the meat mixture.
• Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure safety.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.