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Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness Gravy

shepherd’s pie with guinness gravy - featured image

A hearty and comforting shepherd’s pie featuring tender ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich, malty Guinness gravy that adds a unique twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (about 150 g)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth (360 ml)
  • 1 cup Guinness beer (240 ml)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp butter (55 g), divided
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • ¾ cup milk (180 ml), whole preferred
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
  2. Return potatoes to the pot or a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and ¾ cup of milk. Mash until smooth and creamy but not gluey. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over and no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the meat mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups beef broth and 1 cup Guinness beer, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a rich, gravy-like consistency. Add frozen peas and continue cooking for 3 more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary if using.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the meat and gravy mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading evenly.
  9. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the meat layer. Use a fork to create a textured surface to help the potatoes brown nicely in the oven.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let the shepherd’s pie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the layers set and make slicing easier.

Notes

If gravy is too thin, add extra flour mixed with cold water and cook a few more minutes. If too thick, add more broth or Guinness. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for naturally buttery mash. Avoid overmixing mashed potatoes to prevent gluey texture. Browning meat thoroughly adds flavor. Let pie rest before serving for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, Guinness gravy, comfort food, Irish recipe, ground beef casserole, mashed potatoes, easy dinner