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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie with Rich Guinness Gravy

cozy shepherd’s pie with rich guinness gravy - featured image

A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring tender ground lamb and a rich Guinness gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes with a golden crust. Perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground lamb (can substitute with ground beef)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (150g)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup Guinness stout (240ml)
  • 1 cup beef broth (240ml), low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
  • 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk (120ml), warmed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
  2. Return potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and warmed milk. Mash until smooth but still fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground lamb to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and thyme leaves, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything. Cook for another minute to remove raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in the Guinness stout and beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth.
  7. Stir in frozen peas and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the meat mixture evenly into an oven-safe baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top in a thick, even layer. Use a fork to create peaks for a crispier top.
  9. Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. For an extra crust, broil for 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. To get a crispy top on the mashed potatoes, create peaks with a fork and broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning lamb to get a good caramelized flavor. Warm milk and butter before adding to potatoes to keep mash creamy.

Nutrition

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