Spelt Cottage Pie

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
A hearty classic made healthier with wholegrain spelt
Spelt Cottage Pie View Gallery 1 photo

A Classic With a Grainy Upgrade

Spelt Cottage Pie keeps all the comfort of the traditional version but swaps out some of the usual starch for wholesome spelt. This change adds fibre, texture, and nutty depth without losing the cosy feel of the original.

Why It’s a Winner

It’s perfect for batch cooking, family meals, or freezing ahead. The spelt adds chew and interest, while the mash topping keeps it classic. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and customisable. Great for weeknights or Sunday dinner.

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Estimated Cost: £ 7 Calories: 510 kcal
Best Season: Winter, Fall

Description

A comforting cottage pie made with a savoury beef and vegetable base, enriched with wholegrain spelt and topped with creamy mash. Simple, hearty and full of flavour.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

For the filling:

For the topping:

Instructions

  1. Make the Mash: Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–18 minutes until soft. Drain, then mash with butter, milk and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat oil in a pan. Add onion, carrots and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the Beef: Add mince and brown for 5–6 minutes. Stir in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer with Spelt: Stir in cooked spelt and beef stock. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until thickened.
  5. Assemble: Spoon the filling into a baking dish. Spread the mash on top and smooth it out with a fork.
  6. Bake: Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20–25 minutes until golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts


Amount Per Serving
Calories 510kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 55mg19%
Sodium 610mg26%
Potassium 780mg23%
Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
Dietary Fiber 7g29%
Sugars 5g
Protein 29g58%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

You can prep this ahead and refrigerate before baking. Reheats well and freezes nicely in portions.

Keywords: cottage pie, spelt, healthy dinner, british classic, family meal, comfort food

Optional Substitutions or Variations

  • Use sweet potatoes instead of white for the topping.
  • Swap beef for lentils for a vegetarian version.
  • Add peas or mushrooms for extra veg.
  • Use vegan butter and plant milk for dairy-free mash.

Tips & Variations

Extra Add-ins

  • Stir in a splash of red wine for a richer filling.
  • Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.
  • Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking for added flavour.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze portions and reheat in the oven at 180°C until hot through.
  • Keep mash and filling separate if freezing before assembly.

Conclusion

Spelt Cottage Pie is a simple way to upgrade your classic comfort food. It’s filling, easy to customise, and a great dish to keep on rotation. Try this version next time you want hearty food with a bit more goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use uncooked spelt?

No, always cook the spelt first. It takes about 25–30 minutes to cook in water.

Can I make this with chicken mince?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly and use chicken stock instead.

Can I make it in individual portions?

Absolutely. Use ramekins or small baking dishes for easy servings.

Can I use leftover mash?

Yes. Just reheat slightly to make it easier to spread on top.

What’s the best type of spelt?

Use wholegrain or pearled spelt – both work well once cooked and drained.

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