Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness Gravy

Ingredients
  • 500 grams
    ground lamb
  • 1 kg
    potatoes
  • 240 ml
    Guinness stout
  • 2 medium
    carrots
  • 1 large
    onions
  • 100 grams
    Butter
  • 250 ml
    beef stock
  • 4 sprigs
    fresh thyme
Directions
  • Prepare potatoes

    Peel and quarter potatoes. Boil in salted water until tender when pierced with a fork. Don't overcook as they'll become waterlogged.

  • Make mashed potatoes

    Drain potatoes well. Add butter and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. The smoother the mash, the better the final result.

  • Prepare filling

    Brown lamb in a large pan. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions and carrots until soft.

  • Make Guinness gravy

    Return meat to pan. Add Guinness and reduce by half. This step is crucial for flavor development. Add stock and thyme, simmer until thickened.

  • Assemble

    Transfer meat mixture to baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, creating peaks with a fork for crispy texture.

  • Bake

    Bake at 200°C until potato tops are golden brown and filling is bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritions
  • Calories:
    580 kcal
  • Protein:
    32 g
  • Total Fat:
    28 g
  • Saturated Fat:
    14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat:
    14 g
  • Total Carbs:
    52 g
  • Sugar:
    6 g
  • Fiber:
    5 g
  • Sodium:
    680 mg

Discover the heartwarming comfort of authentic Irish cuisine with this traditional Shepherd’s Pie recipe. Dating back to the 1800s, this beloved dish emerged as a clever way for Irish households to transform leftover roasted lamb into a new, satisfying meal. The rich, savory filling, enhanced with a touch of Guinness stout, creates an incredible depth of flavor that’s uniquely Irish. The creamy mashed potato topping, golden-brown and crispy on top, conceals a treasure trove of tender meat and vegetables simmered in a rich gravy. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any cozy family dinner, this dish embodies the rustic charm and wholesome traditions of Irish pub food. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures – from the crispy potato peaks to the succulent meat filling.