Classic shepherd's pie

Prep time

Minutes

105

Cook time

Minutes

Serves

Adults

Medium

Difficulty

Easy - Med - Hard

Classic shepherd's pie

Is there anything better than a hearty pie in winter? This classic shepherd’s pie hits all the right notes with its rich, warming flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 brown onion, halved, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, trimmed, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
500g lamb mince
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons plain flour
500ml (2 cups) beef style stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
4 (about 200g each) desiree potatoes, peeled, chopped
40g butter
125ml (1/2 cup) milk
Melted butter, to brush

Method

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot and celery and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until soft. Add lamb mince and cook, stirring to break up any lumps, for 5 minutes or until lamb changes colour.
Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until combined. Add stock, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile: cook potato in a saucepan of salted boiling water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Return to the pan with the butter. Use a potato masher or fork to mash until smooth. Add milk and use a wooden spoon to stir until combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 200C. Spoon lamb mixture into a 2L (8-cup) capacity ovenproof baking dish, or use four individual ovenproof serving dishes. Remove the bay leaf. Top with mashed potato and use a fork to spread over lamb mixture. Brush with butter. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until mashed potato is golden brown. Serve immediately