Description
Kerry Pie is a traditional Irish meat pie featuring a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and rich gravy, all encased in a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for a comforting main course, this savory pie brings classic Irish flavors to your table with an easy-to-follow baking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
Crust
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a pie dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy pie removal.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent, which forms the flavor base.
- Add Garlic and Brown Beef: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking it up to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Cook Vegetables and Thicken: Stir in diced carrots and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat, which will help thicken the gravy.
- Add Flavorings and Broth: Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring continuously; cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a rich gravy consistency.
- Finish Filling: Stir in frozen peas and remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble Pie: Transfer beef filling into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with the thawed puff pastry sheet, trimming excess pastry from edges. Press edges to seal, then cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the puff pastry surface to achieve a beautiful golden brown and glossy finish.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the puff pastry is golden and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- This hearty pie is inspired by traditional Irish comfort food and pairs well with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad.
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef to create a more traditional shepherd’s pie variation.
- To make ahead, assemble the pie and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, adjusting baking time by a few extra minutes.
