Guinness Shepherd’s Pie with Beef
🍀🥘 A cozy, flavor-packed twist on a classic comfort food! This Guinness Shepherd’s Pie with Beef brings bold, rich flavor to your table with a hearty filling made from ground beef, tender vegetables, and a splash of dark, malty Guinness. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden, this dish is the perfect soul-warming meal for chilly nights or festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day! 🇮🇪✨
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 cup Guinness stout beer
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup whole milk (warm)
Salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 egg yolk (for added richness)
½ cup shredded white cheddar (optional but amazing)
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
Mash with butter, warm milk, garlic powder (if using), and salt until smooth. Stir in the egg yolk and shredded cheese for a richer, creamier texture. Set aside.
Make the Filling:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop flavor.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
Slowly pour in the Guinness beer and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in the peas and remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spoon the meat mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Remove the bay leaf.
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meat layer using a spatula or spoon. Use the back of a fork to create rustic ridges for a golden finish.
Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the edges are bubbling. For extra browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely!
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of this Guinness-infused classic.
🍽️ Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 6–8