Oh my goodness, have you ever had one of those days where the cozy comfort of a hearty pie is the only thing that can make everything feel alright? Enter the exceptional Guinness Pie, a dish that sings of togetherness and heartwarming flavors, probably stemming from its Irish roots where hearty stews are a staple. Imagine tender chunks of meat, simmered until they almost fall apart, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. It's the culinary embodiment of a warm hug from your grandmother. Making this brings a touch of hearty tradition to the table, and trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for those chilly days or a St. Paddy's gathering!
This scrumptious pie loves company, and what better companions than some buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp, green salad for a bit of freshness? Roasted carrots or peas are also classic pairings that balance the rich flavors of the pie. And for the adults, why not go all out and enjoy it with a pint of the same Guinness used in the recipe? Sounds like the perfect meal to me!
Advertisement
Guinness Pie
Servings: 6-8 servings
Servings: 6-8 servings
Guinness Pie
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs stewing beef, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 14 oz can of Guinness beer
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought is fine)
- 1 egg, beaten for glazing
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 14 oz can of Guinness beer
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought is fine)
- 1 egg, beaten for glazing
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In two batches, brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium, and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Cook the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 6 to 7 minutes.
4. Pour in the Guinness and let simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in tomato paste, beef stock, thyme, bay leaf, and return the beef to the pan. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Remove the bay leaf and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
6. Transfer the filling into a pie dish. Roll out the puff pastry and lay it over the top of the pie filling, crimping the edges to seal. Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
7. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
8. Let the pie stand for a few minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips:
- For a thicker gravy, mix an additional tablespoon of flour with a bit of water and stir into the stew before adding the pastry.
- Mix up your root vegetables! Try parsnips or turnips for a little twist on the traditional.
- Short on time? Use pre-cubed beef and pre-chopped veggies to cut down on prep time.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Guinness with more beef stock and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
- Easily make this pie in advance, do all the steps excluding the baking, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
- If you have a bit more time, consider making your own pie crust—it can be a game-changer for texture and taste.
- And lastly, always let the pie filling cool a bit before adding the puff pastry top. This prevents the pastry from getting soggy!
- Mix up your root vegetables! Try parsnips or turnips for a little twist on the traditional.
- Short on time? Use pre-cubed beef and pre-chopped veggies to cut down on prep time.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Guinness with more beef stock and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
- Easily make this pie in advance, do all the steps excluding the baking, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
- If you have a bit more time, consider making your own pie crust—it can be a game-changer for texture and taste.
- And lastly, always let the pie filling cool a bit before adding the puff pastry top. This prevents the pastry from getting soggy!
Advertisement
There you have it, a delicious Guinness Pie that's sure to comfort and satisfy. Give it a try, and it might just become a beloved recipe in your own home just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!