INSTRUCTIONS FOR MASHED POTATOES

Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them in fourths. Place them in a medium pot and cover with cold water. Boil over medium-high heat until fork tender. (Note: While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the meat filling.) Remove potatoes from the boiling water with a slotted spoon. Transfer them to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Immediately add melted butter and mash very briefly on low speed. Gradually pour in half & half while the mixer is still on. Process briefly. Do not over-mix the potatoes or they will have a gummy texture. Stop the mixer and add salt, pepper and cheese. Mix until just incorporated.

 INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEAT FILLING

 Adjust oven rack to the center position. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil flickers in the pan, add the onion and carrots. Sauté until onions are golden brown and carrots begin to soften.Add garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute. Add ground beef, salt and pepper. Cook until beef is completely brown with no more pink.

IMPORTANT STEP: drain excess oil and liquid from beef mixture. Sprinkle flour on the meat and fold it into the mixture.

Add in the tomato paste, Guinness beer, beef broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, and thyme. Stir to combine. Bring meat filling to a brief boil, then reduce the heat to low. Do not cover. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sauce is lightly thickened and cooked down. 

ASSEMBLING THE PIE

Fold the frozen peas into the meat mixture until combined.

Transfer meat filling to an 8 X 8-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly over the bottom. With a clean spatula, spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture. Around the edges of the dish, make sure the potatoes form a nice seal to prevent overflowing while baking.

Put the baking dish on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to catch any overflow. Put the Shepherd’s Pie in the middle of the oven to ensure good heat circulation. Bake for 25 minutes.

Just before removing, turn the oven to broil. Broil the dish for 1 minute to brown the top of potatoes.

Remove the Guinness Shepherds Pie from the oven. Transfer to a trivet and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with a fresh herb sprig.