Description
Hearty shepherds pie stew combines classic British comfort with robust lamb and vegetables, creating a soul-warming meal. Savory layers of meat, gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes invite you to enjoy a satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or venison
- 4 cups (or 3 medium) diced potatoes
- 1 (10 oz) package classic mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots & corn)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups unsalted beef stock (or broth)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dark beer (like a porter or stout, preferably Guinness)
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 10 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp ground, dried sage
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (only use if using venison)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat, then add onions, celery, and potatoes. Sauté until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Brown Protein: Introduce ground meat to the vegetable mixture, crumbling and browning evenly to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Incorporate minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring to intensify the flavor profile.
- Liquid Infusion: Deglaze the pot with beer and apple cider vinegar, allowing the liquid to simmer and lift the browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Pour in beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried sage.
- Simmer and Develop: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and let the stew develop its complex flavors for 30-60 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender and the liquid reduces slightly.
- Final Touch: Fold in frozen mixed vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking, warming them through while preserving their vibrant color and texture. Remove from heat and allow the stew to rest briefly, melding the final flavors before serving.
Notes
- Meat Mastery: Select ground beef with 80/20 fat content for optimal flavor and juiciness, ensuring a rich and tender stew base.
- Liquid Magic: Beer and apple cider vinegar create depth by deglazing the pot, lifting caramelized bits and adding complex flavor layers.
- Vegetable Timing: Add frozen vegetables in the final minutes to preserve their color, texture, and nutritional value, preventing overcooking.
- Resting Ritual: Allow the stew to rest briefly after cooking, enabling flavors to harmonize and develop a more cohesive, robust taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg