Guinness Beef Pie
A rich and hearty Guinness Beef Pie featuring tender, slow-cooked beef infused with the malty depth of Guinness stout, enveloped in a flaky, golden puff pastry crust. Perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions, this classic Irish-inspired dish combines bold flavors with a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Simmering, Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free puff pastry is used)
Meat and Broth
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 cups beef broth
Liquids and Thickeners
- 1 bottle (11.2 oz) Guinness stout
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or substitute rosemary/parsley)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pastry and Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry (standard or gluten-free as needed)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for browning and sautéing)
- Prepare the beef: Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized cubes, pat them dry with paper towels, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures a beautifully browned exterior that adds depth and texture.
- Brownthe beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing them on all sides to lock in juices and build rich flavor. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for extra taste.
- Deglaze with Guinness stout: Pour in the Guinness stout, scraping the pot to lift all flavorful browned bits. Allow the beer to simmer and reduce slightly, concentrating its malty flavor.
- Simmer the filling: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened into a luscious gravy.
- Thicken the stew: Mix all-purpose flour with water to form a smooth slurry. Stir the slurry into the filling, cooking for another 10 minutes while stirring until the sauce is glossy, thick, and rich. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Spoon the cooled filling into a pie dish, cover with the pastry, seal the edges firmly, and cut small slits to vent steam. Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake to perfection: Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is puffed, golden brown, and crisp. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from beef to avoid a greasy filling.
- Take your time browning beef to develop deep crust and rich flavor.
- Use authentic Guinness stout for the best malty bitterness; substitutes may vary the flavor.
- Chill the filling before assembling to prevent soggy pastry and make handling easier.
- Vent the pastry crust with slits or decorative cuts to allow steam to escape and keep it crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of pie)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Guinness beef pie, Irish beef pie, beef and stout pie, comfort food, slow-cooked beef pie, hearty pie