24 Apr 2025
Cook time 140 min
Prep time 65 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1.50 lb beef
2 tbsp olive oil
4 onions
2 garlic cloves
2 cups beer
1.50 cups beef broth
2 bay leafs
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 sheet puff pastry
1 egg
Beef and Guinness pies are a classic comfort food that combines hearty beef, rich Guinness beer, and a flaky puff pastry crust. This delicious dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress.
Instructions:
1. Prep the Beef:
- Place the flour in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Add the beef and toss to coat thoroughly with the flour.
2. Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, and sear until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the Guinness beer and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- While the beef mixture is simmering, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's large enough to cover your pie dish or individual pie tins.
- Cut the pastry to fit your serving dishes, ensuring to have a little extra for the crust edge.
7. Assemble the Pies:
- Once the beef mixture is done simmering, remove the bay leaves.
- Divide the mixture evenly among your pie dish or individual pie tins.
- Cover each with a layer of puff pastry, pressing the edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to ensure they get beautifully golden.
8. Bake:
- Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet to catch any overflow.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
9. Serve:
- Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory Beef and Guinness Pies with a side of your favorite vegetables or mashed potatoes!
Tips:
- For the best results, use a high-quality cut of beef such as chuck or stewing beef, which becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
- Brown the beef well before simmering; this adds a lot of depth to the final flavor of the pie filling.
- When cutting the puff pastry, ensure it is slightly larger than the top of your pie dishes to allow for some shrinkage during baking.
- Chill the beef mixture completely before adding the puff pastry on top. This helps the pastry stay crisp and flaky.
- Brush the pastry generously with beaten egg for a beautifully golden, glossy finish.
- Let the pies rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to settle, making them easier to serve.
With rich, tender beef and the unmistakable flavor of Guinness beer, these Beef and Guinness pies are a true delight. Your kitchen will be filled with the wonderful aroma of this hearty dish as it bakes. Serve these pies hot, straight from the oven, and enjoy the satisfaction of a meal well cooked. They are sure to become a favorite in your household.