Description: Irish Beef Pot Pie is a hearty and comforting dish filled with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich gravy, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. This classic Irish comfort food is perfect for cold days or when you crave a wholesome, filling meal that’s full of flavor.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

• For the Filling:

  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup Guinness or other stout beer (optional but adds great flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  
  For the Pastry Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions:

• 1. • Brown the Beef:
       
       • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
       • Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot in batches, browning each side. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.
     • Sauté the Vegetables:
       
       • In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
     • Make the Gravy:
       
       • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly.
       • Pour in the beef broth and Guinness (if using), stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
       • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
     • Simmer the Beef:
       
       • Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that accumulated.
       • Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
     • Add the Peas:
       
       • In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Cook until the peas are heated through.
     • Prepare the Pastry Crust:
       
       • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
       • Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
       • Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
     • Assemble the Pot Pie:
       
       • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
       • Transfer the beef filling into a deep 9-inch pie dish.
       • Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to fit the size of the pie dish.
       • Carefully place the pastry over the filling and trim any excess dough. 
     • Bake the Pot Pie:
       
       • Make a few slits on the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape.
       • Place the pot pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
       • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
     • Serve and Enjoy:
       
       • Remove the Irish Beef Pot Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
       • Cut into portions and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed greens.

     This delicious and comforting Irish Beef Pot Pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Its rich and savory flavors, tender beef, and flaky crust make it a standout dish for any occasion.