Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Filling
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Guinness beer
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
For the Crust
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust (can substitute whole wheat, biscuit topping, mashed potato topping, or gluten-free crust)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions and Variations
- Smoked paprika or chili flakes, to taste
- Extra vegetables such as peas, parsnips, or pearl onions
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a hot skillet and sear the beef on all sides until browned to lock in the juices and build flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until fragrant and tender, creating a savory base for the filling.
- Deglaze and Add Guinness: Pour in the Guinness beer to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. This adds maltiness and a slight sweetness to the filling.
- Braise the Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot, add beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened naturally.
- Thicken the Filling: Mix flour with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the filling to create a glossy, thick gravy that coats the beef and vegetables well.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the prepared filling to a pie dish and cover with your choice of pastry. Optionally, brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, flaky, and the filling is bubbling beneath.
Notes
- Brown the beef thoroughly to develop deep caramelized flavors essential to the dish.
- Braise the beef low and slow to achieve maximum tenderness and rich taste.
- Use quality Guinness beer or similar stout for authentic malt flavor.
- Chill the pastry before baking to keep the crust flaky and avoid sogginess.
- Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the filling set for cleaner slices.
- Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on busy days.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour for thickening and a gluten-free pie crust.
- This pot pie freezes well, either pre-baked or assembled raw; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes to keep the crust crisp.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Braising
- Cuisine: Irish-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Guinness beef pot pie, braised beef, comfort food, Irish stew pie, hearty pot pie, slow cooked beef, malty stout recipe