Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness is an Irish savory pie with beef cooked in dark beer and covered by a soft mashed potato topping. A rich, comforting dish, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness is one of those dishes that tells you about Ireland from the very first bite. A rustic and substantial pie made of beef slowly cooked in Guinness with carrots, onion and peas, topped with a golden layer of mashed potatoes enriched with butter, milk, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and a light hint of nutmeg.
Traditionally Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while the version with beef is called Cottage Pie. Today, however, the term Shepherd’s Pie is often used for both variants, and that’s how I present it here: a version made with beef stew meat, left in small pieces to retain a more rustic and authentic texture.
Cooking in Guinness gives the filling a deep, slightly toasted flavor that balances perfectly with the creamy mashed potato topping. It’s an ideal dish to bring to the table for St. Patrick’s Day, but also whenever you want a warm, satisfying comfort food.
A simple-ingredient recipe that can become something special, perfect to share on convivial occasions.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I’ve answered some questions about this preparation. If you have other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form at the bottom of the page.
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- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 1 Hour
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Oven, Stove
- Cuisine: Irish
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness
- 14 oz Beef (stew meat)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1.5 cup peas
- 2 potatoes (boiled)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 0.75 oz Parmigiano Reggiano PDO (Parmesan)
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper (coarsely ground)
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 11 fl oz Guinness beer
Tools
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Pan
- Potato masher
- Baking dish
Recipe for Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness
Start preparing the Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness by dusting the beef with flour: mix well, making sure every piece of meat is coated in flour.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan, then add the beef and brown it well.
Once all pieces of meat are nicely browned, add the Guinness beer.
Peel and chop the carrot and onion and add them to the meat.
Cook over low heat for about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes.
Mash the previously boiled and peeled potatoes and season them with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Heat the milk in a small saucepan or in the microwave.
Transfer the potatoes to a pot on the smallest burner over very low heat, add the milk and whisk until it is absorbed; then turn off the heat and finish by stirring in the butter and Parmesan.
After 45 minutes of cooking, add the peas to the rest of the stew.
Continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
Transfer the stew to a lightly oiled baking dish.
Cover it with the mashed potatoes.
Finish the Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness by baking it under the grill at 428°F until the mashed potato topping turns a nice golden color.
Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness, the Irish savory pie with mashed potatoes and beef
Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness is a dish that wins you over for its balance and character: the rich, enveloping filling meets the delicacy of the mashed potatoes in a simple but surprising combination. Served hot, with a slightly golden surface, it can turn a meal into a moment of true conviviality.
Also try the Beef Stew with Potatoes and Mushrooms in the Slow Cooker
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the Shepherd’s Pie a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply place it in the oven until it’s hot and slightly browned on top.
Can it be frozen?
Yes, once cooked and completely cooled you can freeze it. It will keep for up to 2 months. To eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven.
Can I use ground meat instead of stew meat?
Yes, the more common version uses ground meat. By using stew meat cut into small pieces, however, you obtain a more rustic and substantial texture.
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For questions, curiosities or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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