Name: Hearty Irish Guinness Beef Pie Bursting with Flavor Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil – for frying; 500 g ground beef (minced beef) – preferably grass-fed; 1 large white onion – finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic – minced; 2 tbsp all purpose flour (plain flour Australia and UK) – for thickening; 330 ml Guinness stout – dark beer; 300 ml beef stock (beef broth or beef bouillon) – homemade or quality store-bought; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 sheet puff pastry – store-bought or homemade; 1 egg – beaten, for egg wash; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch ground black pepper

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Introduction

This Hearty Irish Guinness Beef Pie is a comforting meal packed with rich flavors from tender beef and dark stout. A flaky puff pastry crust encases a savory filling that’s perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.

A slice of hearty meat pie rests on a white plate with a green-rimmed edge, placed on a textured beige cloth. The pie has two layers of golden-brown crust; the top crust is shiny and slightly uneven, while the bottom crust looks soft and thick. Between the crusts, the filling is thick and rich with dark brown chunks of meat, soft-looking orange carrot pieces, and small bits of green vegetable mixed into a savory sauce. A silver fork is positioned to the right side of the pie slice on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
500 g ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
1 large white onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (plain flour)
330 ml Guinness stout (dark beer)
300 ml beef stock (broth or bouillon)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Heat the 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, leaving the oil in the pan.
Step 3: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the flour and cook for one minute. Gradually pour in the Guinness, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pan. Add beef stock, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens into a rich stew.
Step 6: Transfer the beef filling to a pie dish. Roll out the puff pastry and lay it over the dish. Seal the edges by pressing down with a fork and trim any excess pastry.
Step 7: Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Pierce a small hole in the center of the pastry to let steam escape during baking.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Let the pie cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few chopped mushrooms to the filling.
You can substitute Guinness with another dark stout or robust ale if unavailable.
Use homemade puff pastry for a flakier crust, or buy ready-made for convenience.
To save time, prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate before assembling the pie.

Storage

Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a round, golden-brown savory pie with a thick crust sitting in a clear glass pie dish. The crust is flaky with a slightly shiny top, browned to a warm amber color, and has five small slits radiating from the center where small dough shapes are placed as decoration. One large slice has been removed, revealing a filling made up of dark brown, orange, and green pieces that look like cooked vegetables and possibly meat. The pie dish is placed on a woven mat, surrounded by soft, grey fabric that drapes around it. The surface beneath is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?

Yes, ground lamb works well and gives the pie a richer taste. Adjust seasonings to your preference.

Is it necessary to use Guinness beer?

While Guinness adds a distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with another dark stout or a beef broth mixture for a similar effect.