Marvelous! A classic Cottage Pie with a twist, you say? Let's whisk up a recipe that stays true to its roots while adding a dash of novelty. How about infusing the mashed potato topping with some aromatic herbs and a hint of Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor? And for the filling, let's incorporate a splash of red wine, enriching the depth of taste.
Here's a recipe for you:
Classic Cottage Pie with a Herbed Parmesan Topping

Ingredients
For the Filling:
Lean ground beef (or lamb for a Shepherd's Pie twist) - 500g
Onion, finely chopped - 1 large
Carrots, diced - 2
Celery sticks, diced - 2
Garlic cloves, minced - 2
Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
Red wine - ½ cup
Beef stock - 1 cup
Worcestershire sauce - 1 tbsp
Dried thyme - 1 tsp
Frozen peas - ½ cup
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Herbed Parmesan Topping:
Potatoes, peeled and quartered - 800g
Butter - 50g
Heavy cream - ¼ cup
Fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tbsp
Fresh chives, finely chopped - 1 tbsp
Grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set it to 190°C (375°F).
Cook the Filling:
Brown the ground beef (or lamb) in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and cook for another minute.
Pour in the red wine, let it simmer until reduced by half.
Add beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, simmering for 20 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Prepare the Topping:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
Drain and mash with butter, cream, parsley, chives, half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pie:
Spoon the meat filling into a baking dish.
Top with the herbed Parmesan mash, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top.
Bake: Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy this hearty dish with a twist! The herbed Parmesan topping adds a delightful fragrance and a cheesy crispness that elevates the classic cottage pie.