Macaroni shepherd's pie recipe

This macaroni shepherd's pie combines two classic dishes into one amazing dinner dish. 

Can't decide between macaroni cheese or cottage pie? With this dish there's no need to. It takes a traditional shepherd's pie base and tops it with creamy, cheesy pasta. The result is a brilliant family dish for a weekend supper, that will keep everyone happy. It takes a little more skill than a regular pie, as you're essentially making two dishes and putting them together, but it's worth the extra effort, and it's still ready to eat in under 2 hours.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 med onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 400g packet lamb mince
• 250g packet mushrooms
• 2 level tbsp plain flour
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 1 lamb stock cube
• Salt and ground black pepper

For the macaroni cheese:

• 175g macaroni
• 30g butter
• 30g plain flour
• 300ml milk
• 350g Red Leicester
• 1 tsp made English mustard
• Salt and ground white pepper

Method

1. Set the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
2. To make the meat layer, heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and carrot. Cook over a med heat for 5-7 mins, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but not colour. Add the mince and mushrooms and cook until the meat has browned, stirring well. Add the flour and mix in well. Add the canned tomatoes and 150ml (¼ pint) water, bring to the boil and add the stock cube. Simmer sauce gently for 5-10 mins. Season and pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish.
3. Cook the macaroni in boiling water for 10-12 mins or until just tender, then drain well.
4. To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter, stir in the flour and beat well. Gradually beat in the milk. Bring the sauce to the boil, then simmer it for a few mins. Stir in most of the cheese and the mustard, and season. Remove pan from the heat when the cheese has melted and stir in macaroni.
5. Spoon the macaroni cheese over the meat layer, then sprinkle over the reserved cheese.
6. Bake in centre of the oven for 30-40 mins or until cheese is bubbling. Serve immediately. 

Top tip for making macaroni shepherd's pie

Want to make this dish a little healthier - use lean turkey mince instead. Turkey mince can be found in most supermarkets.

How do I freeze this pie?

Make the pie up to end of step 5, then cover and freeze. Let it defrost well before cooking.

You might also like...

• Cottage pie recipe
• Vegetarian Shepherd's pie
• Hairy Bikers cottage pie