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Benjamin

Creamy Mashed Potato Topped Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

This slow-cooked Guinness shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, savory meat simmered in a rich Guinness-infused gravy, hearty vegetables, and a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making this dish a must-try for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients
  

  • Stew meat beef or lamb – 1½ pounds, trimmed of excess fat
  • Sea salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
  • Olive oil – 2 teaspoons
  • Small onion – diced
  • Garlic – 1 clove minced
  • Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon
  • All-purpose flour – 1 tablespoon
  • Guinness beer – ½ cup
  • Beef broth – 1½ cups
  • Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon
  • Carrots – 1½ cups diced
  • Frozen corn – 1 cup
  • Frozen peas – 1 cup
  • Mashed potatoes – 4 cups prepared (for topping)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Heat olive oil in a stovetop-safe casserole dish or braising pan over medium heat.
  2. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, then sear in the hot oil until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour and stir for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Pour in Guinness beer, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and enhance flavor.
  6. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Return the seared meat to the pan, cover, and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1½ hours.
  7. Stir in carrots, corn, and peas, then continue baking, uncovered, for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the stew rest for a few minutes.
  9. Spread mashed potatoes over the top, then broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, mix some shredded Irish cheddar into the mashed potatoes before broiling.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) before adding the vegetables.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
  • To make it ahead of time, assemble the dish and refrigerate. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes before serving.

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