Prepare the Ingredients: Peel, quarter, and boil the potatoes until soft. Once cooked, mash them with a bit of butter and milk for a creamy texture (optional).

Sauté the Onion: Dice the onion. In a large pan over medium heat, brown the diced onion in a little oil until golden.

Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan with the onions. Season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked.

Add Sauces & Vegetables: Stir in the tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then add the mixed vegetables and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Assemble the Cottage Pie: Spoon the beef mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish. Carefully layer the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the mashed potatoes if desired.

Cooking your cottage pie

Option 1: Cookn the Air Fryer: Place the baking dish in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to crisp up. You may need to add a few minutes if your air fryer has lower wattage.

Option 2: Cook in the Oven: For larger portions, cook at 350°F for 20 minutes, then broil for a crispy top.

Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If your air fryer has a broiler option, broil for 2-3 minutes to get a golden-brown cheese crust.