Easy Beef Pot Pie Recipe | Delicious & Savory

There's something magical about beef pot pie. It's the epitome of comfort food, combining tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful gravy encased in a golden, flaky crust. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a cozy dinner party, beef pot pie is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with additional beef broth)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

Optional Sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Simple garden salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef Filling

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Gradually add the beef broth and red wine (if using), stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme.
4. Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Making the Pastry

From Scratch

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add more water as needed.
4. Chill: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Using Store-Bought Pastry

1. Thaw: If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions.
2. Roll Out: Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit your baking dish.

Assembling the Pot Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill the Dish: Pour the beef filling into a pie dish or baking dish.
3. Cover with Pastry: Roll out the pastry dough and carefully cover the beef filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
4. Egg Wash: If desired, brush the top of the pastry with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust.

Baking Instructions

1. Bake: Place the pot pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Check for Doneness: To ensure the pie is done, insert a knife into the center to check that the filling is hot and the crust is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside a heaping portion of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic combination.
• Steamed Green Beans: Add a pop of color and a healthy side with steamed green beans.
• Simple Garden Salad: A light garden salad complements the rich flavors of the pot pie.

Conclusion

Beef pot pie is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste and dietary preferences. It's perfect for making ahead and freezing for those busy weeknights. With this recipe, you're well on your way to creating a comforting, hearty meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

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Happy cooking!