Mary Berry has shared a surprising tip to enhance cottage pie, using a £1.75 store-cupboard essential. Instead of common additions like red wine or extra stock, she recommends adding a spoonful of muscovado sugar to the beef filling. According to Berry, this simple addition helps balance the flavors and enrich the meatiness in a unique way.
The muscovado sugar can be purchased for £1.75 from M&S, and Berry assures that it will elevate the cottage pie to a luxurious level. She mentioned to the BBC that this upgraded version of the classic dish is not only sophisticated but also perfect for casual gatherings.
To recreate Berry’s recipe, start by browning the beef mince in olive oil, then set it aside. Cook onions and celery until soft, reintroduce the beef, and add a mixture of flour, red wine, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in muscovado sugar and thyme, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add mushrooms, season, and simmer until the beef is tender.
Boil potato slices separately, layer them over the beef mixture in an oven dish, pour cream, season, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Your delectable cottage pie is now ready to be served fresh from the oven.