Mary Berry says make one key swap to give your cottage pie a boost

Mary Berry is known for elevating traditional , and her take on cottage pie is no exception. Cottage pie is a popular to make at home – it’s a hearty meal that’s always a crowd pleaser.

has shared her twist on the classic to help you keep things fresh when making your weeknight meals. In her version, she swaps out the usual mashed potato topping for rich, creamy dauphinoise potatoes, adding a luxurious texture and depth of flavour. The tender, savoury mince filling pairs perfectly with the golden, crispy layers of thinly sliced potatoes, creating a dish that’s both hearty and impressive.

Whether you’re or simply craving a warming family meal, this promises to become a new favourite.

The says you should start by browning the beef in hot oil before setting it aside.

Next, sauté onions and celery in the same pan, then return the .

You should then whisk flour and wine, add stock, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and thyme.

After this, bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes, adding mushrooms and seasoning to taste.

You’ll then need to boil for four to five minutes before draining them and letting them cool.

Once all these components are ready, transfer the meat mixture to an ovenproof dish and layer potatoes over the beef.

Next, pour half of the cream in and then add another layer before seasoning topping with the remaining cream and cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling and you’ll have an exciting new take on the classic cottage pie.

is best known for her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off and for her renowned .

If you’re looking for another way to elevate your , this isn’t the only way you can upgrade your meal.

You could consider layering sautéed vegetables like spinach or peas in the filling, and top with breadcrumbs or Parmesan for extra crunch.

Or, for a unique twist, you could try adding mustard or smoked paprika to the filling for a subtle kick.