Why we chose this dish
Our Pupils’ Choice
“Cottage Pie! Because it fills me up and keeps me warm” Cerys, Blenheim Road Primary
“Cottage Pie is my favourite because it’s delicious and it’s a healthy meal and has carrots and broccoli” Oluwatobi, Llanyrafon Primary
“Thumbs up for this” Leyland, Crownbridge
“I like this” Kane, Crownbridge
Our Dietitian’s Choice
A comforting classic that remains a firm favourite, our Traditional Cottage Pie is made with a delicious blend of quality beef and Quorn mince, creating a rich, savoury filling that's packed with flavour. Topped with creamy mashed potato and baked until golden, it's the perfect hearty meal for a busy school day.
This balanced recipe provides protein, iron and zinc to support growing pupils, while the fluffy mash topping delivers the slow-release energy needed to stay focused throughout the afternoon. Made to our own trusted recipe, every serving is prepared with carefully selected ingredients and plenty of care, resulting in a wholesome, satisfying dish that has truly stood the test of time.
A tasty family favourite that's as nourishing as it is delicious.
Sustainable School Meals
UK Farm Assured Standards
The beef component of this dish is made using UK Red Tractor Assured beef mince. Red Tractor certification provides independently audited assurance standards covering animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection throughout the supply chain. By sourcing assured British beef, we are supporting UK farmers while providing confidence in the provenance and quality of the ingredients used in our school meals.
Lower Carbon Impact Recipe
Beef is recognised as a relatively greenhouse gas-intensive ingredient. To help reduce the environmental impact of this dish, we have reformulated the recipe to include 40% Quorn mince alongside 60% beef mince. Incorporating Quorn, which has a substantially lower carbon footprint than beef, reduces the overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with the recipe while maintaining its taste, texture and nutritional value.
Supporting Welsh Producers
We use Welsh-produced sliced bread across our school menus and breakfast clubs. Sourcing bread from Welsh suppliers supports local businesses, employment and the wider Welsh economy. It also contributes to shorter supply chains and reduced transport distances, while maintaining high standards of quality, freshness and traceability.