Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender chunks of steak, flavorful vegetables, and the deep, malty taste of Guinness stout, all encased in a flaky, buttery pastry. This classic recipe is a staple of British cuisine, known for its robust flavors and satisfying nature, making it a beloved comfort food for many.
Typically serving 6-8 people, this pie requires some preparation time but results in a truly indulgent meal that’s worth the effort.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s steak and Guinness pie recipe in a complete step-by-step guide. You will learn how to prepare the beef, make the sauce, assemble the pie, and bake it to perfection.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie Recipe?
Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that consists of tender beef and vegetables cooked in a rich and savory sauce with Guinness beer and topped with a flaky buttery puff pastry crust. It is a classic British dish that is inspired by the famous chef and author Mary Berry, who is known for her simple and elegant recipes.
Other Mary Berry Popular Recipes
Why You Love this Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the homely comfort it promises. It brings together easily accessible ingredients to create a dish that’s both delicious and deeply satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a get-together with friends, it’s a recipe that caters to various tastes and can be prepared well in advance, reducing last-minute kitchen stress.
- Simplicity: The straightforward instructions and common ingredients make this recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
- Comfort: Ideal for a warm, comforting meal, it’s perfect for evenings in or when you want to impress guests with homestyle cooking.
- Customizable: Easily tailor the recipe to suit dietary preferences or spice levels, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish in advance and freeze it, ensuring a delicious meal is always on hand.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 kg (3 lb) chuck steak, cut into 4 cm (1.5 inch) pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to season
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, peeled and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 600 ml (1 pint) Guinness beer
- 300 ml (1/2 pint) beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 500 g (1 lb) ready-made puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
Useful Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- A large frying pan
- A large ovenproof casserole dish
- A rolling pin
- A pastry brush
- A sharp knife
- A fork
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie
Follow these steps to make the steak and Guinness pie:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and season the beef
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan, gas mark 3).
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Brown the beef and transfer to the casserole dish
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
- Brown the beef in batches, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until golden on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the beef from browning properly.
- Transfer the browned beef to a large ovenproof casserole dish and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the onions and garlic
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the same frying pan.
- Cook the onions and garlic, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until soft and golden. Add a splash of water if the pan gets too dry.
Step 4: Add the flour and the Guinness
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well to combine.
- Gradually pour in the Guinness, stirring constantly, to make a smooth sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add the stock and the herbs
- Stir in the beef stock, the bay leaves, and the thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the sauce over the beef in the casserole dish and stir to coat. Add the carrots and mix well.
Step 6: Cover and bake
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 7: Roll out the pastry and cut out a lid
- Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm (1/8 inch).
- Cut out a circle of pastry that is slightly larger than the top of the casserole dish. You can use a plate or a bowl as a guide.
Step 8: Brush the edges of the dish and place the pastry lid
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and discard the bay leaves and the thyme sprigs.
- Brush the edges of the dish with some of the beaten egg.
- Place the pastry lid over the filling and press the edges to seal. Cut a small slit in the center of the lid to allow steam to escape.
Step 9: Brush the pastry with egg and bake
- Brush the pastry lid with the remaining beaten egg to glaze.
- Bake the pie in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
Step 10: Serve and enjoy
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Cut into slices and serve hot with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dish.
- Enjoy your delicious steak and Guinness pie!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie?
Serving suggestions for Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie range from classic sides to innovative pairings, all enhancing the rich flavors of the pie. Whether you opt for creamy mashed potatoes or fresh, vibrant salads, each side dish offers a delightful contrast or complement to the pie’s hearty filling.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, buttery side to absorb the pie’s savory sauce.
- Green Beans: Fresh, lightly seasoned green beans bring a crisp texture and a touch of color.
- Peas: Sweet peas add a pop of color and a slightly sweet contrast to the savory pie.
- Salad: A light, fresh salad cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
- Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie
Achieving the perfect Steak and Guinness pie requires attention to detail and a few culinary tricks.
Here are some enhanced tips to ensure your pie is a cut above:
- Select the Best Beef: Opt for high-quality beef cuts known for their flavor and tenderness in slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. Trim any excess fat for a leaner bite.
- Master the Beef Browning: Brown the beef in small batches to ensure each piece is perfectly caramelized. A well-browned piece of beef adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic to Perfection: Soften the onions and garlic until they are caramelized, infusing the dish with a sweet, aromatic base.
- Choose the Right Beer: The type of dark beer you choose, be it Guinness or a robust ale, is pivotal in imparting a unique, malty flavor to the pie. If beer isn’t to your taste, a rich beef stock is a suitable alternative.
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like bay leaves and thyme are not just garnishes but flavor powerhouses. Include them to infuse the dish with an aromatic complexity.
- Perfect Pastry: Roll out your pastry evenly to about 3 mm thickness, ensuring it’s large enough to drape over the dish with a slight overhang. A well-sized pastry ensures complete coverage and crisps up beautifully.
- Egg Wash for Shine and Seal: Brush the dish edges and pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish and to seal the edges, preventing leakage.
- Vent It: A small slit in the center of the pastry is essential for releasing steam, keeping the pastry crisp and flaky.
Variations of Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie
Customizing your Steak and Guinness pie keeps the recipe exciting and adaptable:
- Vegetable Variations: Introduce mushrooms, celery, or parsnips into the mix. Adjust their size and cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Pastry Alternatives: Experiment with different pastry types like shortcrust or filo for a unique texture and flavor. Ensure baking times are adjusted according to the pastry’s specifications.
- Individual Pies: Create personal pie portions using smaller dishes or ramekins. They are perfect for serving and storing.
How do I store Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie Leftovers?
Proper storage is key to enjoying your pie for days to come:
- Refrigerate: Cool the pie completely, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, portion the cooled pie, wrap each piece securely, and freeze for up to three months.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Steak and Guinness Pie Leftovers?
Enjoying leftovers is almost as good as the first serving, provided you reheat them properly:
- Oven Reheating: Warm the pie in a preheated oven covered loosely with foil until the pastry is crisp and the filling hot.
- Microwave Reheating: If short on time, use a microwave to heat the pie until warmed through, but be mindful that the pastry won’t be as crisp as oven-reheated.
Nutrition value per serving:
- Energy: 674 kcal
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturates: 15.4 g
- Sugar: 6.9 g
- Salt: 1 g
- Carbohydrate: 40.6 g
- Fiber: 2.7 g
- Protein: 40.8 g
FAQs
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, you can either simmer it uncovered for longer to reduce it or add some more flour to thicken it. To add more flour, mix it with some water in a small bowl to make a smooth paste, then stir it into the sauce and bring to a boil.
How do I make the pastry crispier?
To make the pastry crispier, you can brush it with some melted butter before baking, or sprinkle some grated cheese on top. You can also bake the pastry separately on a baking sheet, then place it on top of the filling before serving.
How do I prevent the pastry from shrinking?
To prevent the pastry from shrinking, you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it out, and avoid stretching it too much. You can also trim the excess pastry after placing it on the dish, and press the edges firmly to seal.
How do I make the pie vegetarian or vegan?
To make the pie vegetarian, you can replace the beef with seitan, tofu, or Quorn, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. To make the pie vegan, you can also use dairy-free puff pastry and egg substitutes for glazing.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry’s steak and Guinness pie recipe in a complete step-by-step guide. This recipe is perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. It is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you can find in any supermarket.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you and see how your steak and Guinness pie turned out. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!