Ingredients:

• 500 grams ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 sheets of pre-made shortcrust pastry
• 2 sheets of pre-made puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables have softened.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. Roll out the shortcrust pastry sheets and use them to line the base and sides of individual pie dishes or a large pie dish.
6. Spoon the cooled beef mixture into the pastry-lined dishes, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Roll out the puff pastry sheets and use them to cover the tops of the pies. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal the pies.
8. Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg to create a golden finish.
9. Use a small knife to make a few small slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
11. Remove from the oven and let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving.

Minced Beef Pie is a popular comfort food in New Zealand, often enjoyed as a lunch or dinner dish. It can be served with tomato sauce (ketchup) or accompanied by a side salad or vegetables.