Beef and Onion Cottage Pie in Mini Cast Iron Skillets
This recipe makes individual servings of classic cottage pie, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun appetizer.
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**For the Filling:**
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1 cup beef broth
**For the Topping:**
* 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).** Lightly grease four mini cast iron skillets.
2. **Make the filling:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.** Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. **Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.** Add peas and corn optional, and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
5. **Divide the beef mixture evenly among the prepared mini skillets.**
6. **Top each skillet with a generous layer of mashed potatoes, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.**
7. **Bake for 20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are golden brown.
8. **Let the cottage pies cool slightly before serving.** Enjoy!
**Tips:**
* For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the beef mixture while it's simmering.
* You can also use other vegetables in the filling, like carrots, mushrooms, or celery.
* If you don't have mini cast iron skillets, you can use individual ramekins or oven-safe dishes. Just make sure they're greased and oven-safe.
* To make ahead, prepare the filling and assemble the cottage pies in the skillets. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Beef and Onion Cottage Pie!
Happy Cooking Folks
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