Beef, Mushroom, and Guinness Pie

Recipe View In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides, ensuring a deep, rich color. This should take approximately 10 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

Recipe View Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Introduce the chopped bacon and cook until it just begins to brown, releasing its smoky essence. Stir in the chopped onion, sliced carrot, mushrooms, crushed garlic, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and develop a beautiful browned hue, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Recipe View Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously to ensure it's smoothly incorporated into the vegetable mixture. Gradually pour in the Guinness and beef stock, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the thyme, bay leaves, and the reserved browned beef. Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the stew to simmer until the beef is incredibly tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Recipe View Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium, and let the stew boil gently until it thickens slightly, around 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Remove from heat and discard the bay leaves.

Recipe View Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Recipe View Transfer the filling to a 9-inch pie dish. On a lightly floured surface, trim the thawed puff pastry into a 10-inch circle. Carefully place the pastry over the filling. Pinch and crimp the edges of the pastry with a fork to seal it to the dish. Cut two steam vents into the top of the pastry with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is beautifully golden brown and puffed up, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.