A rich and hearty Guinness Beef Pie, slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, vegetables, and Guinness stout, encased in a golden, flaky crust. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal, offering deep, savory flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, rich flavor – Guinness stout enhances the beef’s natural umami, creating a luxurious, flavorful filling.
- Tender, slow-cooked beef – Simmered until perfectly tender in a rich, savory sauce.
- Golden, flaky crust – A homemade buttery pastry that adds the perfect crispness.
- Perfect for gatherings – A crowd-pleasing dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the filling in advance for easier assembly on busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups Guinness stout
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 tbsp ice water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside.
- In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the Guinness and beef broth, then add thyme and bay leaf. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour in the beef filling.
- Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges with a fork. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the crust with the egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded sharp cheddar to the filling for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Different Beer Options: Try using a different stout or a dark ale for a variation in flavor.
- Puff Pastry Alternative: Use store-bought puff pastry instead of homemade crust for a quicker version.
- Vegetable Addition: Add potatoes or peas for extra texture and heartiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the unbaked or baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual slices can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
How does Guinness affect the flavor of the pie?
Guinness adds a deep, malty richness to the filling, enhancing the beef’s natural flavors while contributing slight caramel and roasted notes.
Can I use a different type of beer?
Yes, you can substitute Guinness with another stout or a dark ale for a slightly different taste.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Absolutely. The filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a pre-made pie crust or puff pastry can be used for convenience.
What can I serve with Guinness Beef Pie?
This pie pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Can I make this pie without alcohol?
Yes, substitute the Guinness with additional beef broth or a non-alcoholic stout alternative.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the filling is slightly cooled before adding it to the crust, and bake the pie at the right temperature to achieve a crisp finish.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Beef chuck is recommended for its tenderness, but other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or short ribs can also work well.
How do I make the crust extra flaky?
Use very cold butter, work quickly, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough before rolling it out also helps.
Can I make this into individual pies?
Yes, divide the filling and dough into smaller portions and bake in ramekins or mini pie dishes for individual servings.
Conclusion
Guinness Beef Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef filling, rich stout-based sauce, and flaky homemade crust, this pie delivers the ultimate cozy meal experience. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the hearty, deep flavors of this slow-cooked classic with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
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PrintGuinness Beef Pie
A rich and hearty beef pie slow-cooked in Guinness stout, encased in a golden, flaky crust—perfect for a cozy meal. This comforting dish is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a deeply flavorful gravy, all wrapped in a buttery homemade pastry. A must-try for fans of savory pies and traditional Irish cuisine!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Savory Pies, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish, Pub Food
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Guinness stout
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 tbsp ice water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
- Add the remaining oil and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in Guinness and beef broth, then add thyme and bay leaf. Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour in the beef filling.
- Roll out a second piece of dough for the top crust, sealing the edges with a fork. Cut small slits for steam to escape.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful pie!
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: The beef filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge to enhance flavors.
- Crust Substitute: Store-bought pie dough or puff pastry can be used for convenience.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete meal.