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0 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour 25 minutes Recipe

0 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour 25 minutes Recipe

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4.5 from 111 reviews

This Crispy Potato Topped Meat Pie, also known as Minced Beef Hotpot, is the ultimate family comfort food. It features savory extra lean minced beef simmered with hearty vegetables in a rich gravy, then topped with thin, golden potato slices for a mouthwatering, crisp finish. Perfect for cozy dinners and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer

  • 500g (17.5oz) extra lean beef mince
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 sticks celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef or vegetable stock
  • 1 heaped tsp marmite (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Dash of balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

  • 1kg (2.25lb) potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
  • Low calorie cooking spray
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

To Finish

  • 3/4 cup (120g) frozen peas
  • Extra salt and black pepper for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat & Vegetables: In a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat, brown the extra lean beef mince with the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and thyme. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the beef is well browned, breaking up the mince as it cooks.
  2. Add Liquids & Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste, beef or vegetable stock, marmite (if using), and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the gravy thicken slightly. Taste and season the gravy with salt and black pepper as needed.
  3. Preheat the Oven: While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F (gas mark 6).
  4. Assemble the Pie: Transfer the meat mixture to an ovenproof dish. Add the frozen peas and gently mix them through. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top, overlapping them slightly in concentric circles to completely cover the meat mixture.
  5. Bake: Spray the top of the potatoes lightly with low calorie cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for around 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are crisp and golden brown on top.
  6. Finish & Serve: Once baked, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley (if desired) and a final pinch of salt and black pepper. Serve hot with your choice of steamed vegetables on the side.

Notes

  • If not using marmite, you can substitute a little soy sauce or simply omit for a milder flavor.
  • For extra crispy potatoes, use a mandolin for even slicing and pat the slices dry before layering.
  • This dish can be made ahead. Assemble, cool, and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
  • For a vegetarian version, simply swap the beef mince for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable stock.
  • Serve with simple steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.