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Cozy Shepherds Pie with Rich Guinness Gravy

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A warm and comforting shepherd’s pie featuring slow-cooked lamb in a rich Guinness gravy topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef if preferred)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout (or any dark beer)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (50 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots, sauté until softened and onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to let the tomato paste caramelize slightly.
  5. Pour in the Guinness stout and beef broth. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift browned bits. Let simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens into rich gravy.
  6. Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Mash the drained potatoes with butter and milk until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese if using.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat filling evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Dollop the mashed potatoes over the filling and spread gently with a spatula to cover completely. Use a fork to create small ridges on the surface.
  9. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
  10. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brown the meat well for depth of flavor. Simmer the gravy slowly to thicken and develop richness. Use warm milk for mashed potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Use a fork to create texture on the potato topping for a crispy crust. Let the pie rest after baking for easier serving. If gravy is too thin, simmer longer or thicken with cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, Guinness gravy, lamb, comfort food, Irish recipe, mashed potatoes, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-shepherds-pie-with-rich-guinness-gravy-easy-homemade-recipe/