Spelt Cottage Pie

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.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Cuisine: British

Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate

Estimated Cost: $ 7

Calories: 510 kcal

Best Season: Winter, Fall

Dietary: Contains meat, dairy, gluten

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

For the filling:

1 tbsp, Olive Oil
1 Onion (finely chopped)
2 Carrots (peeled and diced)
2 cloves, Garlic (minced)
400 g, Beef Mince
100 g, Cooked Spelt
1 tbsp, Tomato Purée
1 tsp, Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp, Dried Thyme
200 ml, Beef Stock
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

For the topping:

600 g, Potatoes (peeled and chopped)
25 g, Butter
50 ml, Milk
Salt (to taste)

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.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-cottage-pie/

Valentina

A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!