Guinness Cottage Pie

Looking to use up that last Guinness from St Patrick's Day? This tender beef stew topped with buttery mashed potatoes is the way to go.

Ingredients:

 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) blade roast, cut in 1" cubes

2 tbsps flour

3 tbsps vegetable oil, divided

1 medium onion, diced

1 medium carrot, diced

2 cups sliced or diced mushrooms

4 tsps minced garlic

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dry thyme

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

3/4 - 1 can Guinness, regular or 0% alcohol

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper to taste

2 tsps cornstarch

2 tsps water

2 large potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs)

2/3 cup milk

2 tbsps butter

salt and olive oil 

Toss the beef and 1 tbsp flour together. Heat 2 tbsps oil in an oven safe skillet to high temperature. Sear the beef 3-4 minutes to brown then remove to a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp oil to the pan then add the onions, carrots and mushrooms. Cook 2 minutes then add the garlic, bay leaves, thyme, tomato paste and 1 tbsp flour. Stir together for 1 minute. Return the beef to the skillet along with 3/4 of the Guinness, broth and Worcestershire sauce. Put the balance of the Guinness aside for now. Bring the stew to a bowl, then cover with a lid or foil and place in a 350°F oven for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. After the 1st hour see if more liquid is needed. If so, add the remainder of the Guinness. If not, sit and have a sip. Return the pot to the oven for another 1/2 - 1 hour. Remove from the oven. Whisk 2 tsps cornstarch with 2 tsps water then whisk into the pot and boil for 1 minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves. Oil a 1.8L (6 cup) baking dish (especially around the top) and spoon the stew in. Bring the potatoes to a boil then simmer 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to the burner that has been turned off for 30 seconds. Add butter and mash then add the milk and salt. Spoon and spread over the beef mixture and run a fork over the top. This will create little golden bits when baked. Drizzle a little olive oil on top if you like. Now back in the oven for 25-30 minutes. As you can see it's best to sit the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips while baking. Broil 2-4 minutes if you want the top to be more golden, then let it sit for 5 minutes before digging in! 

Serves 4-6

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