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Irish Cottage Pie in a baking dish with wooden spoon
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5 from 1 vote

Irish Cottage Pie

Irish Cottage Pie is a cozy, hearty dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich Guinness gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Irish
Keyword: ground beef casserole, mashed potatoes, st patrick's day
Servings: 6
Author: Sandy Clifton

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 pounds Potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter
  • ½ cup Milk
  • ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional, but delicious)
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

For the Filling

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 small Onion, diced
  • 2 Carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Guinness Stout
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Flour, to thicken
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas

Instructions

Make the Mashed Potatoes

  • Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
  • Drain and mash with butter, milk, and cheese (if using).
  • Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Cook the Filling

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.

Build the Flavor

  • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour in the Guinness and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine.

Simmer

  • Let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes, until slightly thickened and flavorful.
  • Stir in the frozen peas, then remove from the heat.

Assemble & Bake

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Spread the beef mixture into a baking dish, then spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading to cover. Use a fork (like a rake) to create ridges for a crispier finish.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden on top and bubbling around the edges.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

 
 
 
 
 
 
Approx. Nutrition per serving: Calories: 450 | Total Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 750mg | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fiber: 5g | Sugars: 5g | Protein: 24g

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
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