Family favourites for Matariki with New Zealand beef and lamb

Matariki is just around the corner, and you know what that means. It’s time to gather around the table, share stories, and fill our plates with some of our favourite kai. We can’t help but get excited about cooking up a storm and making sure everyone leaves with happy hearts and full tummies.

Now, you might be wondering what to cook for your Matariki feast. Well, we’ve got a few family favourites that are sure to please everyone, from the littlest to the oldest. And the best part? You’ll find all the recipes here, so you don’t have to go searching far and wide.

Hearty beef and lamb dishes

First up, you can’t go wrong with a classic steak pie. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and always reminds me of the family gatherings we used to have when I was a kid. The recipe is simple, with tender beef, rich gravy, and a flaky pastry crust. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a lamb, spinach and feta filo pie. The crunchy outside and tasty middle is comfort food at its best.

Grab more share plate ideas in the button below.

Roast leg of lamb

For something a bit special, we love making a roast leg of lamb. Rub it with rosemary, garlic, and a little olive oil, then pop it in the oven until it’s juicy and golden. Serve it with roasted potatoes, carrots, and a big bowl of greens. It’s a dish that always makes the house smell amazing and gets everyone excited for dinner.

Check out our favourite ways with a leg of lamb in the button below

a tray of food including roast beef potatoes and gravy

Slow cooked beef

If you want to keep things easy, a slow-cooked beef casserole is the way to go. Just chuck everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by the time Matariki rolls around, you’ll have a tender and delicious beefy meal ready to serve. Add some crusty bread for dipping, and you’re sorted.

For more slow cooked recipes to give you more time with guests, check out our collection here

Family friendly sides

Of course, no feast is complete without some tasty sides. There is always a big bowl of coleslaw, a fresh green salad, and maybe some roasted kumara or pumpkin. If you’ve got little ones who are fussy eaters, you can sneak in some extra veggies by grating them into the salad or mixing them into the mash. We collected our favourite side dishes for Matariki here

a plate of carrots and chickpeas on yogurt on a table .

The joy of sharing

The real magic of Matariki is in the sharing. Whether you’re cooking together in the kitchen, setting the table, or sitting down to enjoy your meal, it’s the time spent with family that makes it special. So gather your loved ones, try out some of these recipes and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Matariki, everyone!