Shepherds Pie

Who loves a good shepherd's pie? I know I do! It's not something I have often cooked but now I'm a mum, I'm on the search for things that are nutritious, don't take ages to prepare and I can portion and freeze for convenience. This is definitely one of those recipes, especially with the hidden veggies- your kids will love it!

You will need..

For the filling-

1kg beef mince

2 zucchinis (small-medium/ or one large)

2 carrots (as above)

1 brown onion

1 clove garlic

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp tomato paste

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 beef stock cube

1 cup water

3 bay leaves

1 tsp dried mixed herbs

salt and pepper to season

1 cup frozen peas

For the topping-

1-1.5kgs of washed potatoes

1 cup salt (to salt-bake the potatoes)

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp milk

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Method...

1. Start by preheating your oven to 220 degrees celsius. Pour the cup of salt into a baking tray and place the potatoes on top. Put the tray into the oven and roast the potatoes until they're soft when pierced with a fork- I had smaller potatoes so I roasted mine for 20 minutes.

2. While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the vegetables by peeling and finely dicing the onion, grating the zucchini and carrot and crushing the garlic.

3. In a large non-stick saucepan, drizzle the olive oil and cook the onion over a low heat until soft. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant then add the mince and brown, breaking up with a wooden spoon.

4. Once the meat is browned, add the grated veggies, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock and water. Stir well to combine. Add the dried herbs and bayleaves and simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened.

5. Once the sauce is thickened, add the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then spray a baking dish and spoon the filling into the dish (make sure you pick out the bay leaves while doing this step). Use the back of a wooden spoon to smooth out the filling.

6. Once potatoes are cooked, remove and let cool briefly and then use a small knife to peel off the skin (hold the potatoes with a tea towel as they will still be very hot. Place potatoes in a bowl and use a masher to make a chunky mash. 

7. Heat the butter and milk briefly in a pot or in a bowl in the microwave and then mix in with the potatoes.

8. Spoon the mash over the beef mince filling and then flatten out. Use a fork to make channels (these will crisp up!) Sprinkle over cheese and drizzle with a little oil. Then place in the oven (still 220) to bake for 20 minutes or until golden on top.

9. I cut mine into 8 portions and placed them into containers and froze them for future dinners! Just add salad or veggies! Yum!