Special shepherd’s pie

Method

1. Put the lamb and beef mince in a large bowl, drizzle with a little oil, then mix well with your fingers. Heat a large frying pan until smoking, then cook the meat, mixing continuously, for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer the meat and juices to a bowl.

2. In the same pan, heat a little oil, then gently cook the shallots, thyme, mushrooms and carrots for about 8 minutes. Return the mince and juices to the pan, then mix in the tomato purée. Cook for 5 minutes.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes and red wine, then bubble to reduce for about 10 minutes. Add the flour and mix well, then add the worcestershire sauce and stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, taste and add more worcestershire sauce if needed. Add the oregano, then set aside.

4. Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/ gas 4. Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling salted water, covered with a lid, for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain in a colander, then return to the pan and set over a gentle heat to remove any excess moisture. Take off the heat. Using a masher or potato ricer, thoroughly mash the potatoes, then mix in the butter and season to taste.

5. Spoon the meat mixture into a 2 litre ovenproof dish or 6 x 300ml individual ovenproof dishes. Top with the mashed potato (you can pipe this if you want to be cheffy), then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until golden and piping hot.

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