Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that brings a cozy pub vibe right into your kitchen, look no further than this Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe. This dish is a beautiful twist on the classic cottage pie, featuring rich ground beef simmered in savory Guinness beer and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening or impress your friends with a homey yet elevated meal. Each bite delivers layers of delicious flavors and textures making it an absolute favorite to cook again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity and the carefully chosen ingredients that build layers of flavor. Each component brings something special — from the earthy Guinness beer enriching the meat to the fluffy mashed potatoes offering the perfect golden topping.
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or leaner): The hearty base that makes the filling rich and satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks with the beef.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the filling and potatoes.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and balances the dish perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the filling and the mashed potatoes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory goodness with aromatic flair.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the meat mixture to the perfect consistency.
- 8 ounces Guinness beer (or beef broth): Imparts a deep, malty, and slightly bitter flavor to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives a tangy umami punch that amplifies the beefiness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Provides acidity and richness to balance the stout’s flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces subtle herbal notes to complement the meat.
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots: Add pops of color and gentle sweetness to the dish.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and halved or quartered: The classic choice for silky mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk: Makes the mashed potatoes irresistibly creamy.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds luxurious smoothness to the potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Seasoning for the mashed potatoes.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the creaminess with a hint of spice.
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a vibrant touch at the end.
How to Make Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Cooking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s ready when you finish assembling the pie. While this happens, start boiling your peeled and chopped russet potatoes – they’ll be mashed later to create that creamy topping we all adore.
Step 2: Make the Meat Filling
Grab a 10-inch oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium. Brown the ground beef together with the diced onion, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Once the beef is nicely browned and the onion is translucent, stir in the butter and minced garlic until fragrant. Add flour to thicken the mixture, then pour in the Guinness beer, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle in dried thyme and fold in the frozen peas and carrots. Remove from heat once the filling is thick and rich with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
After your potatoes have boiled until fork-tender, drain and return them to the pot. Mash them smoothly with heavy cream (or milk) and butter, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. The texture should be velvety and soft but still hold its form when spread.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in your skillet, making sure to cover every bit for that perfect crust. Place the skillet uncovered in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready once the edges bubble delightfully and the potatoes start to turn a lovely golden hue.
Step 5: Serve Your Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe
Remove the pie carefully from the oven, letting it rest a few minutes before serving. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a beautiful finishing touch that adds color and lightness to this hearty dish.
How to Serve Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of chopped fresh parsley brightens the whole pie and adds a hint of herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory filling.
Side Dishes
This pie is quite filling on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or some roasted root vegetables. These lighter sides complement the richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to impress, try individual portions in small oven-safe dishes—your guests will love their own personalized pot pie experience. You can also create a lightly textured topping with a fork, waving around patterns on the mashed potatoes before baking for a rustic, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve its flavors and moisture.
Freezing
This pie freezes well, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Freeze in airtight containers for up to two months. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20–25 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispy top and prevents sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use another type of beer instead of Guinness?
Absolutely! While Guinness adds a distinctive deep, malty flavor that makes this recipe special, you can substitute with other dark ales or even beef broth if preferred.
What type of potatoes is best for the mashed topping?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and produce fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes as they can make the mash gluey.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meat filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, prepare the mashed potatoes fresh and assemble before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth or Guinness. The flavors will be different but still delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
This Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe is mild with just a hint of black pepper for warmth. Feel free to add chili flakes or cayenne if you like a touch of heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making a Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with comforts of home. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will wrap everyone up in delicious warmth. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Guinness Cottage Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Guinness Cottage Pie is a comforting classic Irish-inspired dish featuring a savory ground beef filling enriched with Guinness beer and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
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 potatoes for mashing as you prepare the meat filling.
- Make Meat Filling: In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onions softened. Season with salt and pepper. Add the butter and garlic and cook until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the Guinness beer, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate all ingredients. Then stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Finally, mix in the frozen peas and carrots. Remove from heat once all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then mix in the heavy cream or milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy and seasoned to taste.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling in the same oven-safe skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the topping is heated through and starts to turn golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.
Notes
- Guinness beer can be substituted with beef broth for a milder flavor.
- Use a potato masher or ricer for best results when mashing potatoes to ensure a creamy texture.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe to safely transfer from stovetop to oven.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of grated cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
