Matt Preston’s secret shepherd’s pie ingredient is distinctly Aussie

Most chefs and home cooks have their own recipe twist for shepherd’s pie but food guru Matt Preston’s secret ingredient is very unexpected.

Shepherd’s pie has been a popular family dinner since your grandparents were kids. And what’s not to love? Saucy and succulent mince, fluffy mashed potato with loads of butter and sometimes even a cheesy crust on top.

But shepherd’s pie is trending more than ever and people are enjoying putting their own signature stamp on the classic.

Shepherd’s pie: it’s a trend

Shepherd’s pie is now constantly appearing in taste.com.au’s top dinner search terms on site, with searches currently up 81 per cent year on year.

Of course during winter, it’s the ultimate comfort food – but the cost of living right now is also playing a part in its resurgence.

It’s made with affordable minced meat and a few other ingredients that you usually have to hand anyway.

It’s also a versatile all-in-one meal that you can tweak to make your own, adding whatever vegies and cheese you need to use up … or your favourite condiment.

Matt Preston adds a secret ingredient in his shepherd's pie.

Matt Preston’s secret shepherd’s pie ingredient

Matt is not only our go-to guy for all things comfort food, but he also has British roots – so it might come as a surprise that his twist on this English classic is distinctly Aussie.

Matt Preston’s shepherd’s pie is certainly different.

That’s right, he adds none other than … Vegemite! He claims that it helps “beef” up the lamb mince, adding a delicious umami flavour and making it extra rich.

Our favourite toast topper pairs well with the Worcestershire sauce that he also adds to his recipe, making this one of our favourite shepherd’s pies of all time.

Get Matt Preston’s shepherd’s pie recipe in full.

More twists on shepherd’s pie

Who knew bacon paired so well with lamb? This cheat pot pie version of shepherd’s pie is finished with crispy little bacon bits on top which act like a super-meaty seasoning.

If you like things spicy, this Moroccan-inspired shepherd’s pie recipe involves adding a bit of harissa to the sauce.

If you love shepherd’s pie but can’t be bothered to make the mashed potato elements, don’t! Simply top it with potato gems like this one and call it a (really good) day.

Get all our best shepherd’s pie recipes.

More recipes from Matt Preston:

Smoky bacon carbonara

Pumpkin soup (with another secret ingredient!)

Red wine and chocolate chicken

For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.

Originally published as Matt Preston’s secret shepherd’s pie ingredient is distinctly Aussie