a) Boil a half-full kettle.

b) Pour the boiled water into a large saucepan with ½ tsp salt on high heat. Add the rice and cook for 10-12 mins.

c) Once cooked, drain in a sieve and pop back in the pan. Cover with a lid and leave to the side until ready to serve.

a) Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large saucepan on high heat.

b) Once hot, add the beef mince and mushrooms. Fry until the mince has browned, 5-6 mins. Use a spoon to break up the beef as it cooks. 

c) Season with salt and pepper. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw mince. It's cooked when no longer pink in the middle.

a) When the mince and mushrooms have browned, stir in the passata, red wine stock paste, Worcester sauce and mixed herbs. Mix to combine.

b) Stir in the sugar, tomato ketchup and water for the ragu (see pantry for all three amounts).

a) Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and leave to gently simmer until the sauce has thickened, 6-7 mins.

b) Add the spinach to the pan a handful at a time until wilted and piping hot, 1-2 mins.

a) When the stew has finished simmering, stir in the butter (see pantry for amount) until melted.

b) Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Add a splash of water if it's a little too thick.

a) Fluff up your rice with a fork and share between your serving bowls.

b) Spoon over the stew and scatter with the hard Italian style cheese.