Guinness shepherd's pie recipe

I always heard my friends talk about Shepherd's Pie, but I never had it myself until recently. The recipes I tried were ok, but always rather bland. You won't have that problem with this recipe-it's packed full of flavor!

SHEPHERD'S PIE

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 10 whole garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 pound bacon
• 2 small onions, chopped
• 1 pound ground sirloin
• 4-5 carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 bottle Guinness stout (12 ounces)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

To make potato topping: Add potatoes, garlic and enough cold water to cover to a large pot. Cook until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and add to a large bowl. Add sour cream, broth, butter, salt and pepper. Mix with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Set aside.

To make beef filling: Using a large skillet (or an electric skillet-my preference), fry bacon until crispy. When bacon is all fried, add chopped onions to the bacon grease. Cook until just beginning to brown. Crumble in the ground sirloin and cook until almost browned. Crumble in bacon and add carrots, peas, garlic and salt. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add tomato paste, flour and beer. Bring to a boil, cook for 5 minutes. Add broth and rosemary. Continue to cook filling until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. If you notice grease pooling on top of the sauce, place a double layer of paper towels on top and gently press into the sauce to soak it up. You may need to do this 3 or 4 times during the thickening process.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13X9 pan with non-stick spray. Spoon meat filling into the bottom of the pan then top with potato mixture. Bake 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes. For an added touch of green, sprinkle with fresh parsley or parsley flakes.