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Cozy Shepherds Pie Recipe with Easy Rich Guinness Gravy Perfect for Dinner

Cozy Shepherds Pie with Guinness Gravy - featured image

A warm and comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a rich Guinness gravy, tender meat, and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter for cooking
  • 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and quartered potatoes into a pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain potatoes thoroughly, return to pot or warm bowl. Add butter and milk, mash until smooth but fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and carrots, sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add ground lamb or beef to skillet. Break up with spoon and cook until browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Carefully add Guinness and beef broth. Stir, scraping browned bits from pan. Bring to gentle simmer and cook 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Add thawed peas during last 5 minutes of simmering.
  8. Transfer meat mixture into baking dish, spread evenly. Dollop mashed potatoes over top and create texture peaks with a fork.
  9. Bake in preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling bubbles around edges.
  10. Let shepherd’s pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the gravy; simmer slowly for best flavor. Avoid over-mixing mashed potatoes to prevent gluey texture. Add peas near the end to keep their sweetness and color. Rotate dish halfway through baking if oven browns unevenly. For gluten-free, ensure broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Dairy-free substitutions include olive oil and almond or oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, Guinness gravy, comfort food, lamb, beef, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, cozy meal