blespoon olive oil Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like a bubbling, golden-topped cottage pie, and this recipe with blespoon olive oil takes that classic to the next level. Every spoonful offers a deeply savory beef and veggie filling crowned with creamy mashed potatoes—an all-in-one meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and built for sharing. I love making this for family dinners or meal prep, because it’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for Sunday suppers. The subtle flavor from blespoon olive oil not only enhances the richness but also carries all those homey aromas straight from your oven to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a few pantry staples and some everyday veggies, because each ingredient here has a special job! These essentials blend together to build deep flavor, texture, and warmth—all with just the right amount of effort.

• 1 blespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions and adding a fragrant, velvety base that makes the beef shine.
• 1 lb ground beef: The star protein, lending heartiness and savoriness to every bite.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Softened onions add a sweet underpinning and a boost of aromatic flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Just a hint brings the irresistible aroma that signals something delicious is coming.
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: These veggies bring classic color, texture, and a pop of natural sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This thick, rich ingredient deepens the sauce and enhances the overall savoriness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For deep, umami backbone and a subtle tang that balances the richness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herby note that rounds out the classic British flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip—seasoning is key for drawing out flavor in every layer.
• 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the beef filling, ensuring each forkful is supremely saucy.
• 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and moisture, creating a luscious, velvety sauce.
• 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from 4 medium potatoes): The iconic topper—silky, creamy, and the perfect partner for savory beef.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For that decadently smooth, rich potato texture.
• 1/4 cup milk: Loosens and lightens the mashed potatoes so they spread like a cloud.
• Salt and pepper to taste (for potatoes): Season to your taste for an irresistible finish.
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For those who love an extra golden, melty crown on top.

How to Make blespoon olive oil

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics in blespoon olive oil

Start by heating your blespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the chopped onions. Let them sizzle gently and cook, stirring often, until they’re soft, translucent, and practically melting into the pan—about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a fragrant, flavorful base that will infuse your beef and vegetables with savory, comforting depth.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef straight into your skillet with the onions and blespoon olive oil. Crumble it with a wooden spoon and let it cook until richly browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning here is key—it builds flavor! If there’s excess fat at this stage, drain it off to keep your filling perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the flour as well—it’s your thickening hero. Let everything cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, so the flavors unite and the tomato paste deepens in color. You’ll notice the aroma wafting up; that’s a sure sign you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Add Broth and Vegetables, Simmer the Filling

Pour the beef broth into the skillet, followed by the frozen peas and carrots. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (that’s where the best flavor hides). Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and glossy, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns.

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Potatoes

Spoon the meat and veggie mixture evenly into a baking dish. Now, spread your creamy mashed potatoes over the top, using a spatula to gently smooth them right to the edges. If you like, sprinkle on that optional cheddar cheese for a bubbly, golden layer. At this point, a drizzle of blespoon olive oil over the top adds a rich crispiness as it bakes!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Slide your cottage pie into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is gilded with irresistible golden spots. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help everything set for that perfect slice.

How to Serve blespoon olive oil

Garnishes

A final flourish can really elevate each serving! Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even a light drizzle of warmed blespoon olive oil right over the top. If you’re feeling extra, a few crispy fried onions or scallions add a delicate crunch.

Side Dishes

Cottage pie is a full meal on its own, but I love pairing it with bright, crisp green beans or a lightly dressed salad to counter all that hearty richness. Roasted broccoli, buttered peas, or even sourdough bread are also fantastic choices to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, scoop generous spoonfuls directly onto plates, letting the filling and potatoes mingle. For a twist, try baking mini cottage pies in ramekins—everyone gets their own! Want to impress? Serve a wedge with a glossy swirl of blespoon olive oil and a sprinkle of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cottage pie is the ultimate lunch! Simply cover the dish or transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better with time, and a touch more blespoon olive oil before reheating keeps everything luscious.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer superstar. Once cooled, wrap the whole baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge—then finish with a quick bake, and it tastes just as fresh as the first day.

Reheating

To reheat, remove any plastic coverings and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot all the way through, about 20–30 minutes. For microwave reheating, transfer slices to a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely; heat in short bursts, checking frequently. A quick drizzle of blespoon olive oil on top before reheating adds back any lost moisture and delivers a revived, delicious texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground lamb is a traditional choice for “shepherd’s pie,” but you can also try ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian spin. Just adjust seasonings as needed based on your protein.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Instead of butter and milk in the mashed potatoes, use olive oil (including that trusty blespoon olive oil) and your favorite non-dairy milk. Skip the cheese topping or use a plant-based alternative for a creamy top.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire cottage pie up to the baking step, then cover and keep in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Let it sit on the counter as the oven preheats so it bakes evenly.

What’s the best way to get a crispy potato topping?

Brush or drizzle a bit of blespoon olive oil over the mashed potatoes before baking, and choose the optional cheddar cheese. For extra crunch, you can broil the pie for a minute or two at the end—just watch closely!

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients for a crowd and use a larger baking dish, or halve for a cozy dinner for two. Bake time will be similar, but always check for golden-bubbly goodness on top before serving.

Final Thoughts

Every home cook needs a warming classic like this in their back pocket, and cottage pie with blespoon olive oil is truly the one I turn to again and again. The ease and crowd-pleasing flavor will win over everyone around your table—so don’t wait! Gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma tonight.

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