Shepherd’s Pie

Serves 4, under 30mins prep, 1-2 hours cooking time

Shepherd’s pie is a firm family favourite and our great recipe is perfect for a comforting meal around the dinner table – simple but delicious. Swap the lamb mince or beef mince for a tasty Cottage Pie or even for Quorn Mince for a tasty meat-free alternative.

Ingredients

• Mashed potato topping: 1.5kg/3lb 4oz potatoes, peeled and chopped; 75g/3oz butter; 150ml/5fl oz milk; salt and pepper.  
• 750g/1lb 11oz lamb or beef mince (for a Cottage Pie); 
• 400ml/14fl oz lamb/beef stock (cubes/jellied stock cubes are fine to use); 
• 4tsp Worcestershire Sauce; 
• 1tbsp tomato puree; 
• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped; 
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped; 
• 2 celery sticks, peeled and finely chopped (optional); 
• 1tbsp plain flour; 2tsps mixed herbs (optional); 
• 1 glass of red wine (optional); 
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. 
2. For the mashed potato, bring a pan of salted water to the boil then add the peeled and chopped potatoes. Cook for 10-12 minutes until completely cooked through. 
3. Meanwhile, heat the oil up in a large frying pan or saucepan and fry the onions, carrots and celery (optional) for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the beef or lamb mince to the pan and cook for a further 4-5 minutes until browned all over. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. 
4. Add the stock, tomato puree, Worcestershire Sauce and red wine (optional) along with the mixed herbs (optional) and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil then turn the heat down and simmer for 30-45 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the meat is tender. 
5. When the potatoes are cooked, drain and mash them then add the butter and milk stirring with a spoon until the mash is creamy and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. TOP TIP - For a delicious, comforting twist you can add grated cheese to the mash. 
6. Pour the mince mixture into a baking dish and spoon the mash on top covering all of the meat. TOP TIP - If you want to impress with your presentation, drag a fork along the top of the mash making lines that will go lightly golden brown during cooking. 
7. Bake in the pre-heated over for 20-35 minutes until it is golden and bubbling. 
8. Serve immediately with your favourite veg!