Fantastic! Our family loves everything about this recipe! We'd eat it once a week!

Scalloped Potato Cottage Pie is a heartwarming fusion of two much-loved dishes: the traditional cottage pie, rooted in the pastoral British countryside, and the creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes—a favorite comfort food in many Western households. The cottage pie, originally known as a way to use up leftover meat by covering it with mashed potatoes and baking till golden, has been enjoyed for centuries. By layering thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce, this recipe adds an indulgent twist, resulting in a rich and satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners and special gatherings alike.

This sumptuous Scalloped Potato Cottage Pie can be served as a complete meal in itself, thanks to its hearty layers of seasoned ground meat and soft, flavorful potatoes in a creamy sauce. However, to balance out this richness, the pie goes exceptionally well with a side of steamed green vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. For an added touch of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. This dish is sure to become a new favorite for both its comforting flavor and the way it brings a sophisticated twist to the dinner table.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley or green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish with butter.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Slowly add the broth, and tomato paste, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Remove from heat.

4. In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, half of the grated cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper.

5. Begin layering half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish. Pour half of the cream and cheese mixture over the potatoes.

6. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture over the potatoes and cream layer. Follow with the remaining sliced potatoes and pour the rest of the cream and cheese mixture on top.

7. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top, and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.

8. Let the pie rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

Serve your delightful Scalloped Potato Cottage Pie warm and enjoy the layers of savory meat and velvety potatoes – a true comfort dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.