A Hearty & Flavorful Meat Pie Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a golden, flaky pastry filled with rich, savory beef stew. These Irish Beef Pies are deeply flavorful, with tender chunks of beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes simmered in a Guinness-infused gravy, all wrapped in a crispy, buttery crust.
They are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer. Serve them with mashed potatoes, a green salad, or a pint of Guinness for an authentic Irish experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Comforting – A warm and hearty dish perfect for cold nights.
✔ Flaky & Buttery Pastry – The crust is crisp on the outside and tender inside.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – These pies can be frozen and reheated easily.
✔ Authentically Irish – Made with traditional flavors like Guinness beer, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or swap the beef for lamb.
Ingredients
(For 6 individual pies or one large pie)
For the Beef Filling:
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1 ½ lbs (680g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into small cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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1 medium potato, diced
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1 cup Guinness beer (or beef broth)
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1 cup beef broth
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon flour (to thicken)
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1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
For the Pastry:
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2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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In the same pot, sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
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Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary, stirring well.
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Pour in Guinness beer and beef broth, scraping up any brown bits.
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Return the beef to the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the meat is tender.
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Stir in flour and butter to thicken the gravy. Simmer another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
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Cut into 6 circles (for individual pies) or leave whole (for a large pie).
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
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Place pastry circles into greased ramekins (or a pie dish).
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Fill with cooled beef mixture, making sure not to overfill.
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Cover with another layer of pastry, pressing the edges to seal.
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Brush the tops with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk whisked together).
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Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake
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Place pies on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes (or 40-45 minutes for a large pie) until golden brown.
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Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
🥔 With Mashed Potatoes – Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.
🍻 With a Pint of Guinness – A classic Irish pairing.
🥦 With Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed cabbage.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer:
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Wrap pies individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
Tips for the Best Irish Beef Pies
✔ Use a well-marbled beef cut – Chuck or stew meat works best.
✔ Let the filling cool before assembling – Prevents soggy pastry.
✔ Make sure to cut steam vents – Helps prevent the pastry from getting soggy.
✔ Don’t overfill – Leave some room to prevent leaks.
✔ Brush with egg wash – This gives the pies a glossy, golden finish.
Variations & Substitutions
🇮🇪 Classic Irish Steak & Ale Pie: Use dark stout beer for extra depth of flavor.
🐑 Irish Lamb Pie: Substitute beef with diced lamb for an authentic Irish twist.
🥦 Vegetarian Irish Pie: Replace beef with mushrooms, lentils, and peas.
🧀 Cheesy Irish Pie: Add ½ cup cheddar cheese to the filling before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Shortcrust pastry will give a more traditional pie texture, while puff pastry makes it lighter and crispier.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pies, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make one large pie instead of individual pies?
Yes! Use a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Conclusion
These Irish Beef Pies are flaky, rich, and full of bold flavors. Whether you make them for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy dinner, or meal prep, they are sure to impress.
🔥 Try this recipe today and enjoy a bite of Ireland at home! 🍀🥧
