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How to Make Guinness Shepherd’s Pie with Beef
Step 1: Cook the Mashed Potatoes
Start by cooking the potatoes for the topping. Place the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, stir in shredded cheddar cheese for an extra rich and cheesy flavor. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then, pour in the Guinness stout, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the beer simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. If you’re adding peas, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, spreading them evenly with a spatula. For a decorative touch, you can use the back of a spoon to create a pattern on the mashed potatoes, or simply smooth them out for a classic look.
(Optional) If you’d like a golden, crispy top, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking.
Step 4: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges of the filling are bubbling.
If you like a crispier top, you can broil the shepherd’s pie for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
Tips for Perfect Guinness Shepherd’s Pie with Beef
- Choose the Right Ground Meat: While ground beef is the most common choice for shepherd’s pie, ground lamb is the traditional filling for the classic version. Both options work wonderfully with the Guinness stout, so feel free to use your preference. For a lighter version, you could also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Use a Good Stout: The Guinness stout is what gives this dish its signature flavor, so don’t skimp on the quality. However, feel free to use a different dark beer if you prefer; just make sure it’s a rich stout or porter that will hold up to the hearty flavors of the beef.
- Make It Ahead: Shepherd’s pie is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the whole dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly.
- Add Extra Veggies: While the traditional recipe uses carrots, celery, and peas, feel free to mix in other vegetables like corn, parsnips, or green beans to customize the filling to your taste.
- Leftovers: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven for the best results. It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Why You’ll Love Guinness Shepherd’s Pie with Beef
Guinness Shepherd’s Pie with Beef is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of rich, flavorful beef, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with the boldness of Guinness beer makes this dish a standout in any season, but especially perfect for fall and winter.
This recipe is a great way to take a traditional shepherd’s pie and add a little something extra—whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love, with plenty of depth and flavor to keep you coming back for more.
So grab a pint of Guinness, get your ingredients ready, and dive into this cozy, comforting, and deliciously rich Guinness Shepherd’s Pie with Beef. Your taste buds will thank you!
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