Description
This classic Guinness Cottage Pie features a rich and savory ground beef filling simmered with Guinness beer and aromatic herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked to golden perfection. A comforting one-skillet meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces Guinness beer (or beef broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and halved or quartered
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Begin by preparing the ingredients for both the meat filling and mashed potatoes.
- Make Meat Filling: In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in flour to help thicken the mixture. Gradually add Guinness beer (or beef broth), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Mix well and then fold in the frozen peas and carrots. Remove skillet from heat.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Boil the peeled and halved/quarted russet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Mash them until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream or milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in the skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is heated through and slightly golden and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty Guinness Cottage Pie!
Notes
- Using Guinness beer adds a distinct deep flavor; substitute with beef broth if preferred or for a non-alcoholic option.
- For a smoother mashed potato texture, use a potato ricer or food mill.
- The recipe can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Adjust seasoning of meat and mashed potatoes to taste.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer meat filling to a baking dish if skillet is not oven-safe.
