Classic Kiwi Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (with Kumara Mash Option)
When the weather turns chilly and the skies open up, there’s nothing better than the hearty warmth of a homemade Shepherd’s Pie. This timeless dish is a staple in Kiwi households — packed with flavour, easy to make, and a perfect way to use premium Online Meats ground beef or lamb.
Whether you're a fan of traditional lamb mince or prefer a twist with lean beef, both options work beautifully in this golden-topped classic. Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple seasonings, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
Make It Your Way
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Beef or Lamb: Use grass-fed beef mince for a leaner option or go classic with grass-fed lamb mince for that rich, traditional flavour.
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Kumara for the Win: Kumara mash adds natural sweetness and colour. Great with lamb!
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Gluten-Free? Use cornflour instead of flour and check that your sauces are gluten-free.
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Extra Veg? Add mushrooms, celery, or silverbeet to the filling.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
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500g ground lamb or ground beef
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1 brown onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, crushed
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2 carrots, diced
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1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
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1 Tbsp tomato paste
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1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
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1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
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1 tsp thyme
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1 Tbsp flour (to thicken)
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1 cup beef or vegetable stock
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Salt and pepper to taste
Potato or Kūmara Topping (choose your favourite!)
Option 1 – Classic Mash:
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800g Agria potatoes, peeled and chopped
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50g butter
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¼ cup milk or cream
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Salt and pepper
Option 2 – Kumara Mash:
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600g orange kumara + 200g Agria potato
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50g butter
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Splash of milk or cream
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Salt and pepper
Optional: Grated cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Potato or Kumara
Peel and chop your potatoes (or kumara mix). Boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk (or cream), then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, heat a drizzle of oil. Sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Brown the Mince
Add beef or lamb mince to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned evenly.
4. Add Veggies and Flavourings
Stir in diced carrots, tomato paste, herbs, and the optional Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the flour and mix well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
5. Simmer and Thicken
Pour in the stock and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Add peas (or mixed veg) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Pie
Transfer the meat filling into a baking dish. Gently spoon the mashed potato or kūmara over the top and spread it evenly. Add a sprinkle of cheese if you like.
7. Bake Until Golden
Place in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan-forced) and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Serving Tip
Serve with a side of steamed greens or a crisp salad. It’s even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra and reheat for easy midweek meals.
Why Buy Beef or Lamb Mince from Online Meats
At Online Meats, we’re proud to offer premium-quality beef and lamb mince that’s 100% NZ-grown and expertly prepared by our in-house butchery team. Our mince is cut fresh to order — not pre-packed — ensuring better texture, flavour, and freshness every time. With full traceability from farm to plate and over 25 years of experience behind us, you can trust that every pack you receive meets the highest standards. It’s meat you can feel good about serving to your whānau.
Cold and rainy days call for something nostalgic and nourishing — and Shepherd’s Pie ticks all the boxes. With quality, NZ-grown meat delivered straight to your door by Online Meats, making hearty meals at home has never been easier.
Whether you go for the classic potato topping or switch it up with kumara mash, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.