Guinness Beef Pie Recipe – Rich & Hearty Irish Comfort Food
Learn how to make a rich and flavourful Guinness Beef Pie with tender beef slow-cooked in stout, topped with flaky golden pastry. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a cosy family dinner.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty, pub-style comfort dish that warms you from the inside out, Guinness Beef Pie is the ultimate choice. Originating from Ireland, this savoury pie combines tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked with Guinness stout, onions, carrots, and herbs for a deep, rich flavour. Topped with flaky puff pastry, it’s perfect for cold evenings, festive gatherings, or a hearty weekend meal.
This recipe is perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, buttered greens, or even a pint of Guinness for the full experience.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the filling:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or beef dripping
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 sticks celery, sliced
- 250 g (8 oz) mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 500 ml (2 cups) Guinness stout
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) beef stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the topping:
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (or shortcrust)
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the beef
- Toss the beef cubes in the plain flour, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef in batches, removing to a plate once seared.
Step 2 – Build the flavour
- In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in mushrooms (if using) and cook another 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavour.
Step 3 – Slow cook the filling
- Pour in the Guinness stout, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
- Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Return the beef to the pot, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, or until beef is meltingly tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 4 – Assemble the pie
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Transfer the filling to a deep pie dish (remove bay leaves).
- Lay puff pastry over the top, pressing the edges to seal. Trim excess.
- Brush with beaten egg for a golden crust.
Step 5 – Bake and serve
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes and steamed greens.
Recipe Tips for the Best Guinness Beef Pie
- Make ahead: Prepare the filling the day before for even richer flavour.
- Thicken the sauce: If the filling is too thin, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze the cooked filling for up to 3 months and top with pastry before baking.
Perfect Pairings:
- Shepherd’s Pie – Another cosy classic for comfort food lovers.
- Beef Wellington – An elegant beef centrepiece for special occasions.
- Mushy Peas – A traditional British side to serve alongside your pie.
- Yorkshire Pudding – Fluffy and perfect for soaking up rich gravy.
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