Shepherds Pie

CREDITS

Rec credit: @when_ruhana_cooks
(Previously known as mama taught me well)
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INGREDIENTS

Beef Layer:1 large white onion, finely (diced)2 medium carrots (finely diced)½ cup peas1 tablespoon crushed garlic1 bay leaf1 cinnamon stick1kg mutton/lamb mince2 heaped tablespoon Bisto gravy50g sachet tomato paste½ cup liquidized tomato2 cups beef stock4 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon dried rosemarySalt & Black Pepper (to taste)Optional- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepperOlive Oil (as needed)
Mashed Potato Layer-2kg soft cooking potatoes (baked and peeled)4 heaped tablespoon butter2 cups grated cheddar cheese½ cup cream or full cream milkSalt & Pepper (to taste)

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.2. Add a good drizzle of oil to a large deep pan over medium-high heat. 3. Add the onion, carrot and peas, and saute it all down until it softens and lightly colours. 4. Add the garlic and braise for a second, then add in bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Then add in 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and cayenne pepper.5. Now add in the minced meat and fry until fully browned, breaking it up with your spoon as you go.6. Add in the tomato paste, mix in well, then add in the Bisto gravy and cook off for a minute.7. Now pour in the liquidized tomato, rosemary, thyme.8. Cook until tomato has reduced, then pour in stock.9. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat to low and cook for 20mins, or until the sauce reduces to a thickish gravy.10. Once the liquid has reduced, check for seasoning, then pour the minced meat into a large baking dish.11. Leave to cool for at least 15 minutes, preferably until it forms a thin skin over the top (this prevents the mash sinking in).12. Meanwhile, bake the potatoes in microwave until tender (approx for 10-12 minutes, depending on size of potatoes. Alternatively boil the potatoes in a large pot of heavily salted cold water. Cook until the potatoes are knife tender approx 15mins. Drain and allow moisture to escape; watery potatoes = sloppy pie.)13. Mash the potatoes with the butter, milk/cream and half of the cheese, then season to taste with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.14.Gently dollop the mash on top of the beef.15. Then sprinkle over the rest of the cheese. 16. Place in the oven for 25-30mins, or until golden and crispy on top.17. Leave to rest for 5-10mins to retain shape, then tuck in and enjoy!

POSTED ON

17 Jul 2025

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