If you are looking for a flavorful and comforting dish to try, this Savory Beef & Stout Irish Pot Pie is for you! Ground beef cooked with vegetables in a rich stout gravy, topped with a golden flaky pastry crust, and baked to perfection. Great during the cold winter months, or to serve as the centerpiece to you St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Irish Pot Pie
Okay so every year I am on the lookout for making some Irish inspired recipes during the month of March. To be honest, there isn’s much around on the internet besides Shepard’s pie, cottage pie, Reuben’s, and green desserts. That is okay but I like something a little more than that to help celebrate my heritage. Last year I experimented with this Beef & Stout Irish Pot Pie on Saint Patrick’s Day. I enjoyed it so much, I wrote what I did down, and re-created it so I could share with you.
Irish dishes are generally pretty simple such as Dublin Coddle, oatmeal muffins, and dishes with potatoes. As from what I have read (although my bucket list trip is to get to Ireland at some point in my. life) is that Irish people make use of what is in their land. So yes POTATOES, cabbage, oats, and of course Guinness! Thyme is also a common herb, so I used fresh thyme in this pie in order to add some warmth and it compliments the richness of the dish.
Ingredients for this Beef and Guinness Pie
- Ground Beef (I used sirloin)- steak would also be a great option, but I like to stick with things I always have here at my house.
- Carrots– I shredded them to add some veggies without my family picking them out.
- Onion– a little texture, nutrients, and flavor.
- Potatoes– no need to peel them, just wash and chop. Can’t have an Irish pot pie without them 🙂
- Tomato Paste– just a little goes a long way, tomato paste helps add thickness, depth, and flavor.
- Fresh Thyme– a common herb in Irish cuisine. Using fresh thyme really provides a nice flavor that compliments all of the savory flavors in this dish. You can used dried, as well.
- Guinness Stout (or similar) My husband brought home Extra Stout this time for something different. But regular Guinness or if you enjoy a different stout, that is fine, too.
- Garlic– Another cooking ingredient in Irish cooking, garlic adds so much flavor (and also health benefits).
- Salt & pepper – keeping it simple with spices here since there is so much flavor from the Stout & thyme.
- Beef Broth– Helps make the base of the gravy.
- Flour– just a little to help thicken the filling.
- Red pepper flakes – I pretty much add red pepper flakes to everything ( you can skip it)
- Pie Crust– gives the perfect contrast to the filling.
- Egg– Just a a quick egg wash to help bake the pie crust perfectly.
Check out the video for this Irish Pot Pie Below!
Beef and Stout Irish Pot Pie in the Cast Iron Skillet
I chose to cook this beef pot pie right in my cast iron skillet so that I can add the pie crust and bake. If you don’t have one, just cook the filling in a regular pan and transfer to a pie dish. Then top with the pie crust and proceed with the recipe.
How to make this Easy Beef & Stout Irish Pot Pie
Step 1: Sauté the garlic carrots, and onions in the pan over medium heat with some olive oil. After the carrot and onions are soft and fragrant, add in the ground beef. Cook until browned and drain.
Step 2: Season the meat with salt, pepper, thyme, (red pepper flakes if using). Give everything a stir. Then add in the cubed potatoes, tomato paste, stout beer, and beef broth. Give everything a stir again.
Step 3: Thicken the gravy by adding the flour+water. Stir it in slowly and then let simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Top the meat mixture with the pie crust. Slighly press down and into the pan. Pinch the edges with your fingertips.
Step 5: Make an egg wash by whisking together an egg and some cool water. Then brush the egg wash over the pie crust with a pastry brush. Sprinkle with some garlic powder. Use a sharp knife to make a few slits in the pie crust to let vent while it’s baking.
Step 6: Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees F until the pie crust is golden brown. Then let set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Alternatives to Guinness
Guinness, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture, is a beloved stout enjoyed by beer enthusiasts worldwide. However, if you’re looking to expand your horizons and try some alternatives to Guinness, I’ve got you covered!
1. Murphy’s Irish Stout: Originating from Cork, Ireland, Murphy’s Irish Stout is often considered a worthy rival to Guinness. It boasts a creamy mouthfeel and notes of chocolate and roasted malt, with a slightly sweeter finish compared to its counterpart. If you enjoy the classic flavors of stout but desire something subtly different, Murphy’s Irish Stout is an excellent choice.
2. O’Haras Irish Stout: This Irish stout boasts its own distinct characteristics while staying true to the heritage of traditional Irish stouts.
3. New Holland’s Dragon Milk: I have to toss some Michigan made beers in here. This one is aged in bourbon barrel’s for an extra special flavor.
Make sure to PIN IT!
Like this Irish dinner idea? Try my:
Savory Beef and Stout Irish Pot Pie
Equipment
- 1 cast iron skillet or pan & pie dish
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large carrot shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 lb. ground sirloin or ground beef
- 1 12 oz. bottle of Guinness Stout or similar
- 1 large russet potato (or 2 small) chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- salt & pepper
- red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp flour (+ 4 tbsp water)
- 1 pie crust
- 1 egg (plus cool water)
- garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in your cast iron skillet (or pan). Sauté the garlic, carrots, and onions until soft and fragrant. Add in the ground beef. Cook until browned and drain.
- Season the meat with salt, pepper, thyme, (red pepper flakes if using). Give everything a stir. Then add in the cubed potatoes, tomato paste, stout beer, and beef broth. Give everything a stir again.
- In a small dish combine the flour and cold water and whisk until smooth. Slowly add into the meat mixture and stir until incorporated.
- Let simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Top the meat mixture with the pie crust. Slighly press down and into the pan. Pinch the edges with your fingertips.
- Make an egg wash by whisking together an egg and some cool water. Then brush the egg wash over the pie crust. Sprinkle with some garlic powder. Use a sharp knife to make a few slits in the pie crust to let vent while it's baking.
- Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees F until the pie crust is golden brown. Then let set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
