There’s nothing quite like a Homemade Steak and Guinness Pie to warm you from the inside out. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, flavorful Guinness-infused gravy, paired with a flaky golden puff pastry, make this pie the ultimate comfort food. Ideal for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions, it brings the hearty flavors of traditional Irish cooking straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re curling up on the couch or serving guests around the table, each bite delivers savory, deep, and satisfying flavors that you won’t soon forget.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory: Guinness beer adds depth and complexity to the gravy.
- Tender beef: Slow-simmered chuck melts in your mouth.
- Flaky golden crust: Puff pastry adds texture and indulgence.
- Perfect for gatherings: Serves 6, ideal for family dinners or entertaining.
- Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in stages for convenience.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, diced – Hearty, flavorful meat that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the gravy.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the beef and building flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced – Adds natural sweetness and depth.
- 2 medium carrots, diced – Contributes texture and subtle sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, diced – Provides aromatic base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds warmth and savory aroma.
- 1 cup Guinness beer – Infuses the gravy with rich, malty flavor.
- 2 cups beef stock – Enhances the savory depth of the pie.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Intensifies the sauce and adds color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Provides earthy, herbal notes.
- 2 bay leaves – Adds subtle aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas – Sweet pop of color and flavor.
- 1 sheet puff pastry – Flaky, golden topping.
- 1 egg yolk – For brushing the pastry and achieving a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make Homemade Steak and Guinness Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Toss the beef chunks in flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches for 3–4 minutes per batch until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. Browning enhances flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
Step 3: Build the Gravy
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and Guinness. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Pour in beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the browned bits.
Step 4: Simmer the Beef
Return the browned beef to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until the beef is tender and the gravy thickens. Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry to fit your pie dish. Pour the beef and gravy mixture into the dish. Cover with puff pastry, pressing edges to seal, trimming excess, and cutting slits on top to release steam. Brush with egg yolk.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal.
Tips for Success
- Properly brown the beef to maximize flavor.
- Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use for the flakiest results.
- Thicken gravy by simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes if needed.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra aroma.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Rolling pin for puff pastry
- Pie dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
Recipe Variations
- Herb-Infused Pie: Add rosemary or parsley to the gravy for a fragrant twist.
- Vegetable Version: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms and root vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Top: Sprinkle grated cheddar over the filling before covering with pastry.
- Mini Pies: Use individual ramekins for personal servings.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy mashed cauliflower.
- Pair with steamed green vegetables or roasted carrots for a complete meal.
- A side of crisp salad balances the richness of the pie.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling a day ahead, then cover with puff pastry and bake fresh.
2. Can I use a different beer?
Sure! A dark ale or stout works best for richness; avoid light beers as they lack depth.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain pastry crispiness.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze assembled but unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
5. What cut of beef is best?
Beef chuck is ideal as it becomes tender and flavorful after slow simmering.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Steak and Guinness Pie is the ultimate comfort food. With tender beef, rich Guinness gravy, and a flaky golden crust, it’s perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or special gatherings. Each bite is hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—a true classic that proves homemade pies can rival any pub dish. Serve it hot, savor every spoonful, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this Irish-inspired favorite.
Print
Homemade Steak and Guinness Pie
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A rich, savory steak and Guinness pie with a flaky golden crust, tender beef, and flavorful gravy infused with Guinness. Perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Guinness beer
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Instructions
- Toss beef chunks in flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the same skillet; cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Add tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and Guinness; stir and simmer 2 minutes. Pour in beef stock, scraping bottom for browned bits.
- Return beef to skillet; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1.5 hours until beef is tender and gravy thickens.
- Stir in frozen peas during last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Roll out puff pastry to fit pie dish. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour beef mixture into pie dish. Cover with puff pastry, seal edges, trim excess, and cut slits on top.
- Brush pastry with egg yolk and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
- Browning the beef properly enhances flavor.
- Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use.
- If gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered 5 extra minutes to thicken.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different aroma.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake / Stew
- Cuisine: Irish