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Hearty Shepherds Pie with Guinness Gravy

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A warm and filling shepherd’s pie featuring a rich Guinness-infused gravy, tender ground beef, earthy vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or medium-fat)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (240ml) Guinness beer
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or stock
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
  • 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and quartered (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or cream (or plant-based milk)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: grated sharp cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary. Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until veggies soften but still hold some bite.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the Guinness and beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme sprigs. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove thyme sprigs and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour the prepared gravy into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly. Add peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until peas are heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the filling into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and gently smooth with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and slightly crispy. For a browned crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add peas last to avoid mushiness. Avoid overmixing mashed potatoes to prevent gummy texture. Use an oven thermometer for consistent baking results. Rest the pie before serving for better texture. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Vegetarian version can use lentils or mushrooms and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/hearty-shepherds-pie-with-guinness-gravy-easy-recipe-for-cozy-nights/