Hearty Beef and Guinness Pie Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to satisfy, Beef and Guinness Pie is the answer! This classic British pie features tender chunks of beef cooked in a rich and flavorful Guinness beer gravy, all encased in a golden, buttery pie crust. The combination of beef, vegetables, and the deep, malty notes of the Guinness creates a hearty, warming meal that’s perfect for cooler evenings. This recipe is simple enough to make at home but impressive enough to serve to guests.

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Why You’ll Love Beef and Guinness Pie

This Beef and Guinness Pie is the ultimate comfort food. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, and the Guinness gives the gravy a deep, rich flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. With the buttery, flaky pie crust, it’s a combination that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, special occasions, or even a Sunday roast alternative.

Plus, this dish is easy to customize! You can swap out ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences, and it can be made ahead and frozen for later. A hearty, flavorful pie that’s simple to make but luxurious to eat—what’s not to love?

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Guinness beer (dark stout)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, depending on preference)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

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How to Make Beef and Guinness Pie

1. Prepare the Beef Filling

• Brown the beef: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 5-6 minutes per batch). Set the beef aside.
• Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent and the carrots soften.

2. Make the Guinness Gravy

• Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flour to soak up the oil and become lightly golden.
• Add the liquids: Pour in the Guinness beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful browned bits. Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Return the beef: Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any juices. Stir everything together to combine.

3. Simmer the Filling

• Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is incredibly tender and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more beef stock or water.
• Season to taste: Once the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the filling aside to cool.

4. Assemble the Pie

• Prepare the pie dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a pie dish or individual pie dishes.
• Roll out the pastry: Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your pie dish. If using a sheet of puff pastry, cut it to fit the top of your pie dish, leaving a slight overhang.
• Fill the pie: Once the filling has cooled slightly, spoon it into the pie dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Top with pastry: Place the rolled-out puff pastry over the filling. Trim any excess pastry, and press the edges down around the rim of the dish to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
• Brush with egg wash: If desired, whisk the egg and brush it over the top of the pastry to create a golden, shiny crust when baked.

5. Bake the Pie

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
• Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

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Pro Tips

1. Beef Selection: Beef chuck is ideal for this recipe because it becomes tender when slow-cooked, but you can also use brisket or stew beef if that’s what you have on hand.
2. Guinness Substitute: If you don’t have Guinness, any dark stout or porter beer can work as a substitute. These beers will provide a similar rich, malty flavor.
3. Puff Pastry Tips: If you want an extra-crisp crust, make sure to preheat your oven and bake the pie at a high temperature to get that lovely golden finish. You can also use shortcrust pastry if you prefer a firmer, denser crust.
4. Make-Ahead Option: The beef filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before assembling the pie. This will also enhance the flavors!

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How to Serve

• Pair with Vegetables: Serve your Beef and Guinness Pie with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty meal, serve the pie alongside some creamy mashed potatoes or roast potatoes for a comforting touch.
• Gravy: Don’t forget to drizzle some extra gravy over the pie before serving for even more flavor.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Beef and Guinness Pie (assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 550-650 (depending on the size and pastry used)
• Protein: 40-45g (from the beef)
• Fat: 30-35g (from the beef and pastry)
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g (from the pastry and vegetables)
• Fiber: 3-5g (from the vegetables)

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie (uncooked or cooked) for up to 2-3 months. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie and wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot throughout.

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Conclusion

This Beef and Guinness Pie recipe is the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With its rich, hearty filling and golden, flaky crust, it’s comfort food at its finest. The Guinness adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the beef, making each bite more delicious than the last. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or impressing guests, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!