Cottage Pie with a crispy potato topping

Ingredients

• 1 pound / 425 grams ground beef
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1 stalk celery (chopped)
• 3 medium tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 large carrot (grated)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree / tomato paste
• 1 clove garlic (minced (or use garlic from a jar))
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to your own taste)
• 1 cup beef stock (made with a stock cube and boiling water)
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 1 pound / 500 grams potatoes (Russet or Maris Piper)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 3/4 cup / 100 grams grated cheese
• 1/3 cup / 50 grams panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Beef mixture ---

2. 2

   Peel and chop the onions. Chop the celery and tomatoes. Peel and grate the carrots.

3. 3

   Peel the garlic and mince finely

4. 4

   Heat the sunflower oil in a pan and add the chopped onions, celery, and garlic and allow to sweat over a low heat until the onions are translucent.

5. 5

   Add the ground beef and stir fry until the beef changes colour and becomes 'crumbly'

6. 6

   Add the grated carrots and the chopped tomatoes and stir through

7. 7

   Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, paprika and stock and stir.

8. 8

   Season with salt to taste.

9. 9

   Let it simmer over a low heat for about 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Transfer to a baking dish.

11. 11

    --- Potatoes ---

12. 12

    While the beef is simmering, boil the potatoes in a pan of salted water for 10 to 15 minutes until they are soft enough to mash.

13. 13

    Remove the potatoes from the heat and drain in a colander.

14. 14

    Return the potatoes to the saucepan and add the butter, milk and mustard (if using) and mash until there are no lumps.

15. 15

    Spoon the mashed potatoes onto the meat and spread evenly over the top using a fork.

16. 16

    Combine the grated cheese and panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle evenly over the potatoes

17. 17

    Place in a pre-heated oven (190°C / 375°F) for about half an hour until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are crispy.

18. 18

    Serve with a side helping of peas.