New Zealand Shepherd's Pie

Zaatarbella's Note:

A kiwi classic traditions old with a modern twist to suit busy lifestyles. This can be made ahead of time, assembled at the last minute, or made and frozen then thawed in the fridge and popped in the oven to brown the potato topping or to reheat.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 1.0 dish

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 500 g lean ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 420 g pasta sauce
• 500 ml water
• 10 button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 zucchini, finely diced
• 3 cups mashed potatoes

Directions:

1. Brown the mince and garlic in the oil in a hot pan, breaking the mince up into small pieces with wooden spoon or potato masher.
2. Add chopped veges, pasta sauce and water, stirring after each addition.
3. Bring to a simmer and half cover pot. Cook 10-15 mins or until most of liquid evaporated and veges are soft to touch.
4. Spoon mixture into casserole dish and top with mashed potato (you can pipe it or just pile it on and smooth out the top).
5. Bake at 180°C for about 15 minutes or until top is golden.
6. Suggestions: I add grated cheese, milk and a pinch of green herb seasoning to the potato before mashing, then fill a plastic bag, cut the corner off and pipe it in a nice pattern over the top.

Reviews

[Iceland]

I made this with fish insead of beed because of coming easter and i do not eat meat now these days. It worked just great! I only gave 4 stars because of that change i made so it would not confuse further chefs who really should try this simple way to make Shepherd's Pie. I had it in the oven for 20 minutes and did not use cheese. The mash was woderfully crispy on top and soft on the bottom, perfect! made for PAC spring 2009