Almost Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie
Almost Shepherd’s Pie is a twist on the ever-popular Shepherd’s Pie. A one-pot meal that has plenty of vegetables.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
  • 500g organic beef mince
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 sticks celery, diced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 handfuls of baby English leaves
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 400g can tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • salt and pepper
Topping
  • 500g kumara/sweet potato, cooked and mashed
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
  1. Heat an ovenproof casserole dish or pan on a medium-hot flame. Add olive oil, garlic, onion, celery and carrots. Stir-fry until the onion is transparent.
  2. Add mince, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up, and stir until brown, approx 5 minutes.
  3. Add broccoli, spinach leaves, peas, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and stock.  Mix well. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Preheat oven to 180C.
  5. Meanwhile, cook 500 g kumara until soft (bake or steam), then mash, adding a little salt and pepper.
  6. Spread mashed kumara over the meat and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle over with Parmesan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden.

Once you have perfected this dish, why not double it and freeze a few portions for easy reheating when you are busy?