Hearty Beef Pot Pie

This Hearty Beef Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. With a flaky, golden crust and a rich beef filling, this pie combines the best of savory flavors in a satisfying dish. Filled with ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this pot pie is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.

2. Cook the Filling:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables and Broth:

Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the frozen peas just before removing from heat.

4. Prepare the Pie Crust:

Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it into the prepared pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edge.

5. Add the Filling:

Spoon the beef and vegetable filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

6. Top with Second Crust:

Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the top of the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

7. Bake:

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky. Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Tips

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap vegetables like green beans, corn, or bell peppers depending on your preference.
• Crust Options: For a richer flavor, you can use puff pastry for the top crust. If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crusts work just as well.
• Thicker Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the beef mixture after cooking the onions and garlic.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version, swap the pie crust for a cauliflower crust or simply make it a crustless beef pot pie by baking the filling in a casserole dish without the crust.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Beef Pot Pie: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef filling for an extra layer of creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Mexican Beef Pot Pie: For a Mexican twist, add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef mixture and top the filling with diced jalapeños before sealing the pie.
• Vegetarian Pot Pie: Substitute the beef with a meatless ground beef alternative or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pot pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I freeze beef pot pie?

Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

3. What sides go well with beef pot pie?

Beef pot pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

This Hearty Beef Pot Pie is the perfect meal for when you crave something savory and comforting. The flaky crust, rich beef filling, and tender vegetables make it an irresistible dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic beef pot pie is bound to become a household favorite!