Warm winter cottage pie

Method
Prep:20min  ›  Cook:45min  ›  Ready in:1hr5min 

1. Add oil to a fry pan over a medium-high heat. Cook onion, carrot and celery for 1 minute or until soft.
2. Turn temperature up to a high heat and add mince, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes or until slightly browned
3. Add the flour and combine for 1 minute
4. Add the stock slowly, stirring continuously for 1 minute until well combined
5. Add the peas, passata and worcestershire sauce, stir until combined, turn heat to medium and let simmer for 15 - 20 mins.
6. Meanwhile, to make potato topping, add potatoes to a saucepan of boiling water with a pinch of salt until soft enough to mash. This should take 12-15 minutes. Drain the water and transfer back to the saucepan.
7. Break up potatoes with a potato masher or whisk and add butter, milk, and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
8. Transfer your mince filling to a lightly greased oven dish and cover with mashed potato. Lightly sprinkle with cheese and pop under the grill for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted to your liking. Serve steaming hot with toasted bread.

Tip

Don't be afraid to experiment with this recipe! In the past I have added garlic, red wine, balsamic vinegar and bay leaves to the mince and sprinkled the topping with a pinch of nutmeg.