Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe

This Guinness Cottage Pie is a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food! Imagine a rich and savory beef filling with a hint of Guinness, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a St. Patrick’s Day feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of ground beef, Guinness (or beef broth), vegetables, and spices creates a rich and savory filling that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! The meat filling and mashed potato topping are cooked separately, but the final dish is baked together in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
• Unique Twist: The addition of Guinness adds a unique depth of flavor to the classic cottage pie.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Beef Filling

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef (85/15 or leaner) for a healthier option.
• Onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Salt and pepper: Season the filling to perfection.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Guinness beer or beef broth: Adds a rich and savory flavor to the filling. You can substitute with beef broth if you prefer.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
• Dried thyme: Adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.
• Frozen peas and carrots: Adds sweetness, color, and nutrition.

Mashed Potatoes

• Russet potatoes: Adds a fluffy and creamy texture to the topping.
• Heavy cream or milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes.
• Salt and pepper: Season the mashed potatoes to perfection.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Guinness Cottage Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and cut the potatoes into uniform sizes, either halving or quartering them depending on their size. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the heavy cream or milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Beef Filling

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the beef filling. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the diced onions over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Add the butter and minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the beef and vegetables. Cook for another minute.

Pour in the Guinness (or beef broth), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Stir until well combined. Add the frozen peas and carrots and stir again. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread the prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer over the beef filling in the skillet. If desired, use a fork to create a textured pattern on top of the mashed potatoes. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use lean ground beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of spices to your liking, depending on your preference.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and beef filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply assemble and bake the cottage pie as directed.
• Prevent spills: The filling may bubble over during baking, so it’s a good idea to place a sheet of aluminum foil on the rack below the skillet to catch any drips.

How to Serve

This Guinness Cottage Pie is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cottage pie.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the flavorful gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Guinness Cottage Pie is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cottage pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato for the mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can! While russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffy texture, you can use Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes as well.

2. Can I make this recipe without Guinness?
Yes, you can! You can substitute the Guinness with an equal amount of beef broth.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or lentils instead. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to the filling.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as dried herbs, spices, or Worcestershire sauce.

This Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe is a flavorful and comforting twist on a classic dish. With its easy preparation, hearty ingredients, and unique flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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