• For this recipe, you'll want to use three hobs (2 frying pans and 1 saucepan) at the same time to make this whole process move faster! So read the whole recipe first to get an idea of the steps and what you need! Also, preheat your oven to 180C (360F) fan.

For The French Onions

• First up, finely slice your onions.
• Place your frying pan on medium heat and add in your onions, butter, and salt. Fry for 10 minutes until soft.
• Next up, pour in your balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, and brown sugar. Stir and fry for another 10 minutes until caramelised, soft, and sweet. Remove and set aside.

For The Cottage Pie Filling

• Meanwhile, in another frying pan, place it on medium heat with a drizzle of vegetable oil. Add in your beef mince, break it apart with a wooden spoon and fry until brown for around 10 minutes.
• Add in your carrots, tomato puree, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir and fry for another 5 minutes.
• Pour in your beef stock and flour. Give everything a good mix until glossy and saucy. Taste and season according to your preferences.

For The Mashed Potato

• Also meanwhile all of the above is cooking, place a saucepan of salted water on the heat and add in your chopped potatoes.
• Bring to the boil and then simmer for 10 minutes or until the potato is soft. Drain and then place back into the saucepan.
• Add in your butter, milk, salt, and black pepper, then get a hand blender and blend the mashed potato until smooth.

Assembly

• Get your baking dish and add your beef mince layer on the bottom, spread it out evenly. Top with the French onion mix, and then finish with your mashed potato covering the whole dish. Top with gruyere and thyme, then place in the oven for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
• Remove from the oven, serve up and enjoy!