Cottage Pie

This comforting pie is made with lean mince and extra veg for a healthy twist on a family favourite.

 Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1kg potatoes, chopped into chunks
• 350g extra-lean minced beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 courgette, finely chopped
• 100g green beans, washed and chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 450ml cold water
• 4 teaspoons reduced-salt gravy granules
• 50g sweetcorn (fresh, frozen or tinned)

Method

1. Cook the potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large saucepan. Add the minced beef a handful at a time, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in the onion, carrot, courgette, green beans and mixed herbs, then add 450ml water. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer without a lid for about 20 minutes, until the veg has softened.
4. Turn the grill on to preheat, and warm a large baking dish under it for a couple of minutes. While the grill is heating, drain and mash the potatoes, seasoning them with some pepper.
5. Add the sweetcorn to the mince mixture, then sprinkle in the gravy granules and stir until thickened. Season if needed, then tip into the baking dish. Spoon the mash on top, spreading it out to cover the mince, then pop under the grill.
6. Once the top has browned, remove from the grill and leave to cool for a couple of minutes. Dish up and enjoy!

Top tips

• To make a veggie version, use vegetarian mince and vegetable gravy granules instead of beef. 
• Try grating the courgette if people are not keen on chunks.