Sheperd’s pie (although technically I think this one is a cottage pie as it is beef but you could use lamb) is a favourite in my house and we hope you enjoy it too. A warming meal that’s full of veg with a creamy smooth potato topping.  This is also a great way to use up any sad looking veggies in the fridge.

Serves: 6
Prep: 35 mins    Cook: 40 mins

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes – peeled and quartered
• 1 medium sweet potato – peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 – 2 cloves of garlic crushed (fresh or jarred)
• 1 onion, diced
• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried bolognese herbs (or mixed herbs or fresh herbs)
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 zucchini, grated
• handful mushrooms, diced
• ½ red capsicum, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 420g can lentils, drained
• 1 jar passata (or two tins tomatoes)
•  ⅓ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil spread (optional)
• ½ -1 cup grated cheese

Directions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C
2. Steam or boil the potatoes and sweet potatoes until soft
3. Whilst potatoes are cooking, heat a large pan, add oil and gently fry the garlic and onions (5 mins)
4. Add the mince, tomato paste and herbs and brown it until cooked
5. Add the carrot, zucchini, mushrooms, red capsicum and celery
6. Fry for 3 mins, stirring occasionally
7. Add lentils and passata and stir to combine, leave to cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally (it should be simmering, reduce heat if needed)
8. When the potatoes are soft, add butter and milk then mash the potatoes until smooth (add a little more milk if needed)
9. Assemble the shepherd’s pie: Place meat in a large oven proof dish
10. Topped with the potato mash
11. Sprinkle with the grated cheese
12. Cook the pie in the oven for 40 mins (grill for the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese, if necessary)
13. Enjoy with a fresh salad

Notes

You can add puff pastry into the oven base dish before pouring the mince mixture in, to add an extra crunch to the dish!

Try adding any vegetables you like to the meat mix. Diced eggplant or peas or corn?

You can make this vegetarian by swapping out the meat for an extra can of lentils and one of four bean mix.