Marrow bone and the oysters are both optional in this pie, but they’re ... Return the browned beef to the pan and add the flour, stirring well. Add the beer, stock, bay leaves, thyme sprigs ...

Tomato paste and beef stock form the base of the sauce and, along with herbs like thyme and parsley, these ingredients can yield a tasty Shepherd's pie. That said, beer will make it even more rich ...