Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef pie brings together the comforting richness of beef stew with the buttery crispness of puff pastry. The malted flavor infuses the filling with a unique depth, balancing the savory meat and aromatic herbs beautifully. It’s an easy-to-make yet impressive dish that’s ideal for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (minced beef)
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) beef stock (homemade or store-bought)
- 330 ml (1 ½ cups) dark non-alcoholic malted beverage or dark fruit juice (such as apple or grape)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually add the dark malted beverage, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Make the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pan. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken, forming a rich stew.
- Assemble the Pie: Transfer the beef mixture to a pie dish. Roll out the puff pastry and lay it over the pie dish. Press down the edges with a fork to seal and trim any excess pastry.
- Bake: Brush the pastry with beaten egg and make a small hole in the center to allow steam to escape. Bake in a preheated oven at 390°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes prep, 1 hour 30 minutes cook)
Variations
- Beef Shank: For a richer filling, you can use beef shank instead of minced beef.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Beer Options: While malted beverages or juices work wonderfully, you can substitute them with other dark, non-alcoholic drinks for a slightly different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- To Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the minced beef with lamb or even chicken if preferred.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble the pie just before baking.
Can I add extra herbs?
Feel free to add rosemary or bay leaves for more aromatic flavors.
Can I use a different type of pastry?
Yes, you can substitute puff pastry with shortcrust pastry if you prefer a firmer base.
How do I make the filling thicker?
To thicken the filling further, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef Pie is an indulgent, savory dish that’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy meal at home. The tender beef, rich gravy, and buttery puff pastry combine to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes or a simple salad, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Irish Guinness Beef Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Description
This Hearty Beef Pie is a comforting, savory dish made with tender minced beef, rich gravy, and a buttery puff pastry crust. Infused with a malty sweetness from dark malted beverage, it’s a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for chilly evenings or any special occasion. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (minced beef)
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) beef stock (homemade or store-bought)
- 330 ml (1 ½ cups) dark non-alcoholic malted beverage or dark fruit juice (such as apple or grape)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually add the dark malted beverage, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Make the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pan. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken, forming a rich, hearty stew.
- Assemble the Pie: Transfer the beef mixture to a pie dish. Roll out the puff pastry and place it over the pie dish. Press down the edges with a fork to seal and trim any excess pastry.
- Bake: Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and make a small hole in the center to allow steam to escape. Bake in a preheated oven at 390°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Meat Options: You can substitute minced beef with lamb or chicken for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Alternative Pastry: If you prefer a firmer base, you can use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry.
