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Cozy Shepherds Pie Recipe with Rich Guinness Lamb and Garlic Mash

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A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a rich Guinness-infused lamb filling topped with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (700g) ground lamb (preferably grass-fed)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 1 cup (240ml) Guinness beer
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (or cream for extra richness)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot with 4 peeled garlic cloves, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high, add 1 ½ lbs (700g) ground lamb to the skillet. Break apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240ml) Guinness beer while stirring to avoid lumps. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in 1 cup (150g) frozen peas during the last 5 minutes.
  5. Return drained potatoes and garlic to pot or bowl. Add 4 tbsp softened butter and ½ cup (120ml) whole milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add cream or extra butter for richer mash if desired.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon lamb filling evenly into an ovenproof dish. Spread garlic mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with spatula or fork to create texture.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until potato topping is golden and filling bubbles around edges. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If filling is too runny before baking, simmer uncovered longer. For a crispier potato topping, broil for last 2-3 minutes. Let pie rest 5 minutes before serving for easier portioning. Substitute stout or dark beer if Guinness unavailable. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and olive oil instead of milk and butter. Use gluten-free flour to make gluten-free.

Nutrition

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