Cottage Pie with a Twist: Beef Shin & Bacon Edition

Comfort food gets an upgrade with tender beef shin and smoky bacon.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 500 g beef shin, diced
• 4 rashers streaky bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 200 ml beef stock
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 50 g butter
• Splash of milk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large cast iron pot or heavy-based pan. Brown the beef shin in batches, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook the bacon until golden. Add the onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Return the beef to the pan.
4. Add stock and Worcestershire sauce. Season well.. Simmer covered for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. Serve hot.

Adding ease to your kitchen prep? A sturdy cast iron pot helps lock in flavour during slow cooking, while a potato masher makes fluffy mash effortless. Serve it straight from a deep baking dish for a rustic, oven-to-table finish.