Description
Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Stew delivers classic British comfort with a modern twist. Ground lamb mingles with root vegetables and rich gravy, crowned by creamy mashed potato peaks that promise warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or venison
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cups (or 3 medium) diced potatoes
- 1 (10 ounces) package classic mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots & corn)
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup dark beer (like a porter or stout, preferably Guinness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (only use if using venison)
- 4 cups unsalted beef stock (or broth)
- 10 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground, dried sage
Instructions
- Warm olive oil (30 milliliters or ) in a large stockpot over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for the aromatic vegetables.
- Gently introduce diced onions, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes into the heated oil, allowing them to dance and soften for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and tender.
- Introduce ground meat to the vegetable medley, breaking it into small crumbles while browning evenly for approximately 8 minutes, ensuring a rich caramelized exterior.
- Infuse depth by stirring in minced garlic and tomato paste, sautéing for an additional 2 minutes to release their intense flavors and create a robust base.
- Deglaze the pot with beer (120 milliliters or 4 fluid ounces) and apple cider vinegar (15 milliliters or ), allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce, lifting any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pour in beef stock (480 milliliters or 16 fluid ounces), Worcestershire sauce (15 milliliters or ), salt, ground black pepper, and dried sage, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot partially and let the stew develop its flavors, simmering for 30-60 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and the liquid reduces slightly.
- Minutes before serving, fold in frozen mixed vegetables, allowing them to warm through without losing their vibrant color and texture.
- Remove from heat, letting the stew rest briefly to meld the final flavors before ladling into warm bowls.
Notes
- Versatile Meat Choice: Ground beef, venison, or lamb work perfectly, offering flexibility for different flavor preferences and dietary needs.
- Beer Boost: Adding beer deepens the stew’s richness, creating complex layers of flavor that elevate the traditional shepherd’s pie concept.
- Slow Cooking Magic: Extended simmering time (up to several hours) allows ingredients to meld together, developing deeper, more intense taste profiles.
- Vegetable Flexibility: Fresh or frozen mixed vegetables can be used, making this recipe adaptable to what’s available in your kitchen.
- Meal Prep Champion: This stew freezes exceptionally well, ideal for preparing ahead and enjoying convenient, hearty meals throughout the week.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pot, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg