Mini Irish Beef Pies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional Irish cuisine with a modern twist. These bite-sized wonders feature a buttery pastry crust encasing a savory filling of beef, vegetables, and spices. Perfect for dinner or as a party appetizer, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mini Irish Beef Pies
There are countless reasons to adore these Mini Irish Beef Pies. Firstly, they are incredibly versatile and can be served as appetizers or as a hearty meal. The combination of tender beef, carrots, and potatoes creates a savory filling that is both satisfying and comforting. Additionally, these Irish Beef Hand Pies are easy to make, making them a great choice for busy weeknights. Plus, with a cooking time of just 25-30 minutes, you can whip up a batch quickly. They also freeze well, allowing for meal prep ease, and make for an excellent party snack or finger food. Lastly, they embody the rich flavors of Ireland, making them a favorite for anyone who enjoys traditional Irish Beef Pies.
Ingredients for Mini Irish Beef Pies
Gather these items:
- For the Buttery Pastry Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)
- For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or diced beef)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
How to Make Mini Irish Beef Pies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Step 3: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 4: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Step 5: Add the ground beef (or diced beef) to the skillet, breaking it apart. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 6: Stir in the carrots and potatoes, followed by the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 7: If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the filling to thicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 8: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 9: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut circles of dough.
- Step 10: Place a circle of dough into each muffin tin or pie dish. Fill each with a spoonful of the beef filling, leaving a little space at the top.
- Step 11: Cut smaller circles or squares of dough to top each pie. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers. Cut small slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Step 12: Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Step 13: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Step 14: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mini Irish Beef Pies
Keep these in mind:
- These pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of stout or ale to the beef filling.
- Ensure the pastry is chilled before baking for a flakier crust.
Best Ways to Serve Mini Irish Beef Pies
These Mini Irish Beef Pies are fantastic as they are, but there are several ways to elevate them. Serve them alongside some creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. You can also pair them with a rich gravy or a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor. For a festive touch, consider serving them at your next gathering as mini beef pies for parties.
How to Store and Reheat Mini Irish Beef Pies
To store your Mini Irish Beef Pies, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes. This makes them a perfect meal prep option!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Irish Beef Pies
What’s the secret to perfect Mini Irish Beef Pies?
The secret lies in the pastry. Make sure to use cold butter and chill the dough before rolling it out. This ensures a flaky texture that makes these miniature Irish beef pies irresistible.
Can I make Mini Irish Beef Pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and pastry ahead of time. Just keep them separate in the fridge and assemble the pies when you’re ready to bake.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mini Irish Beef Pies?
To avoid a soggy crust, ensure your filling is not too watery before placing it in the pastry. Also, remember to cut slits in the top of each pie for steam to escape during baking.
Variations of Mini Irish Beef Pies You Can Try
There are many ways to customize your Mini Irish Beef Pies. You can try adding different vegetables like peas or mushrooms for added texture. For a spicier kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. These variations allow you to explore new flavors while keeping the traditional Irish essence intact.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making gingerbread cookies for a festive treat!
For more tips on cooking beef, you can refer to this beef tips recipe that pairs perfectly with these pies!
Print
Mini Irish Beef Pies: 12 Mouthwatering Bites to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Mini Irish Beef Pies with Buttery Pastry Crust
Ingredients
- For the Buttery Pastry Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)
- For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or diced beef)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the ground beef (or diced beef) to the skillet, breaking it apart. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the carrots and potatoes, followed by the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the filling to thicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut circles of dough.
- Place a circle of dough into each muffin tin or pie dish. Fill each with a spoonful of the beef filling, leaving a little space at the top.
- Cut smaller circles or squares of dough to top each pie. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers. Cut small slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Mini Irish Beef Pies, Beef Pies, Irish Recipes
