Almost 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?