One unknown fact about me is that I love to eat the kind of food that I can pick up with my hands. Like these Beef and Guinness Hand pies. I like to feel the texture, capture the earthy scents of aromatics and herbs and then toss it into my mouth to savor.
Over a meal, I can ramble on and on about the details of an ingredient and how it works in a recipe when combined with other ingredients. Then I usually launch into the flavor profiles of each ingredient and how they play so beautifully together. To these nerdy, culinary fascinations, I’ve received blank stares across the table and slight smirks by my children. If you’ve dined at my table and you’re reading this article, you’re probably smiling because you know this to be true.
I’ve accepted this truth and in fact I embrace my unique view of food. And yes, even I laugh at my nerdy culinary musings.
When one of my clients asked for pub food ideas, I jumped at the chance to pitch these Beef and Guinness Hand Pies. Hand pies have been a favorite of mine since childhood. When living in the south, our neighbor down the road would bring us her fresh peach fried pies during the summer. During the cooler months she would make chocolate fried pies. You have never lived until you’ve eaten a chocolate fried pie. Truth.
Those fried pies sweetened my very lonely existence. My neighbor had a kind and sweet heart and I believe she knew my siblings and I needed a little food love. I think that’s why I have an affinity for these Beef and Guinness Hand Pies. The delicious memories of the past come alive every time I make a hand pie or finger food.
If you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day you’re going to love preparing these Beef and Guinness Hand Pies. They also make a fun weekend snack or light dinner meal.
On occasion, when I’ve got time, I’ll make my favorite pie crust recipe. But I’ve found for these little hand pies, store-bought crust works just as well. Especially if you’re making them for a crowd and time is of the essence.
I’ve also added to the notes in the recipe to be sure to use a Guinness lager. It’ll keep the beef from tasting bitter. As with all alcohol, it’s eliminated during the cooking process while lending a delicious subtle flavor to the meat.
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Delicious Wishes and Loads of Love,
Karista
Beef and Guinness Hand Pies
Notes
Be sure to purchase a lager beer as it'll keep the beef from tasting bitter.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 1 medium to large russet potato, skinned and small diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chive
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 ounces Guinness lager
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ready-made refrigerated piecrusts
- 1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of cold water
Instructions
- 1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot add the onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, garlic, thyme, rosemary, Italian parsley and chive. Let the vegetables cook for about 5-8 minutes or until they are nicely wilted.
- 2. Next, add the ground beef into the same skillet with the vegetables and stir to incorporate the veggies and beef. Cook the beef and veggies until the beef is beginning to cook through.
- 3. Then stir in the Guinness and bring it to a simmer. Simmer the beef and vegetable mixture until almost all the beer is gone. Take the skillet off the heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 4. Heat the oven to 400F.
- 5. Roll out the ready-made pie crusts. Cut out 12 5-6" circles. Place a tablespoon or two of filling onto one half of each circle and then top it with some shredded cheese. Fold the empty half over the filling and pinch the edges with a fork making half-moon shapes.
- 6. Place the pies on parchment lined baking sheets. Brush each pie with the egg wash and then place the baking sheet in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pies are golden brown in color.
- 7.Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the pies cool for about 10 minutes before serving. They will be very hot inside.
- Note: These pies hold well in the fridge for about 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
A little brisket or corned beef with all those wonderful ingredients and I might have a Paddy’s Day hand pie! The possibilities are swimming in my head. Thanks, Karista!
Oh my yes! I’ve made these with leftover pot roast and they are divine. 😉 Corned beef would be delicious as well! Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the beautiful weekend! Karista
I LOVE these rich savory pies! Thank you for this recipe! I love you too, my precious Karista! ????
They are so much fun to make and even more fun to eat! I love you Auntie!
Completely flipping the Thanksgiving holiday leftovers on it’s head: I’m going to do this with my leftovers tonight! Minus the beer, but maybe with a little dry white wine! But for sure will do it with beef and beer at some point!
This sounds amazing Dana! I hope it turned out delicious and you loved it. Delicious Wishes, Karista