I have a wee little soft spot in my heart for all things Irish. I’ve found that our heritage and the places we have traveled in life can greatly influence the meals that we love so I am excited to share this Irish Steak and Mushroom Pie recipe {and a little bit more about me} here today.
My Grandaddy was from County Armagh, Ireland. In 1912 he came over on a ship (not the Titanic!) through Ellis Island, NY to start a new life in America.
He was 26 years old.
He was then drafted in 1914 and fought in WWI and later went on to work stateside during both the Korean War and WWII.
He worked hard all of his life launching (and sometimes losing and re-launching) businesses in both the US and in Puerto Rico. He never gave up, and he was always able to take care of his family. He was sixty years old when my Mom was born so I was only eight when he passed away in his early 90′s.
But I still remember him. Maybe he’s the reason I am an entrepreneur and always ready for a new adventure.
A few years back, The Husband and I had the opportunity to travel around Ireland. It was fantastic and beautiful and lush and green. Small back roads just overflowing with greenery on each side. Some roads were so small you hoped another car wasn’t headed right at you around the next bend. So much history – the castles, the old stone houses, The Cliffs Of Moher…
A windy day at the Cliffs of Moher – I managed to not fall over the side!
Countryside in the West Coast of Ireland – gorgeous.
One of the multitudes of historic structures around Ireland. Hundreds of years of history – I wonder who used to live here…
And the people of Ireland were amazing – just so very welcoming and friendly. There wasn’t a restaurant or pub that we walked into where we didn’t end up in conversation with some of the nicest people on earth. Beautiful country, beautiful people.
I sometimes wonder why Grandaddy would have ever left there.
Now Ireland isn’t really known for their food but the Steak & Mushroom pie… well, it’s a dish we fell in love with. It’s one of our favorites and every time we make it we’re transported back to the “Emerald Isle” for just a few moments. Steak and mushrooms sauteed with fresh veggies in beef stock and a stout ale; Topped with flaky pastry… delicious.
I’m ready to go back to Ireland again and I hope you have the chance to visit someday as well.
In the meantime, the recipe is below:
Recipe: Irish Steak & Mushroom Pie
Ingredients
- 3 strips of bacon
- 1 lb. steak, cut into bite sized pieces (cubed)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
- 8 oz. chopped mushrooms (I used baby portobellos)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 12oz. Irish stout beer (such as Guinness)
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until it begins to brown and set aside on a paper towel lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- In the same pan, brown the steak on all sides, about 10 minutes; Set aside with the bacon.
- Add the onion and mushrooms to the pan (add a splash of olive or veggie oil if needed) and cook for about 5 minutes before adding in the garlic.
- Cook all until soft and browned, 7-10 more minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour a little at a time until incorporated. Gradually mix in the beer and beef stock.
- Mix in the parsley, thyme, bay leaves, and both the bacon and steak.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then cover and reduce heat and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Remove the cover from the stew mixture and turn the heat up to medium.
- Let the stew boil until slightly thickened, about 10 more minutes.
- Sprinkle in a more flour as needed and salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and discard the bay leaves.
- Spoon the filling into six medium serving dishes (alternately, you could use a 9-inch pie dish and make one large pie).
- Trim the puff pastry so as to be just slightly larger than your serving dishes, and place on top of the filling.
- Pinch and crimp the edges of the pastry to make sure it is sealed it to the dish.
- Brush the top of the pies with the beaten egg.
- Bake until the crust is golden and brown, 12-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Preparation time: 30 minute(s)
Cooking time: 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 6
My rating
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do. I would love to hear about recipes that you found while traveling or that have been passed down over the years in your family.
xoxo,
Claire
Linking to:
Mom 4 Real, Tidy Mom, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Live Laugh Rowe, Not Your Ordinary Recipes, Lady Behind The Curtain, Angel’s Homestead
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks delicious!! Might have to give this a try…the hubs will love the addition of some beer
Thanks Kelly – it is sooo good.
Lovely photos of Ireland and a knock out steak and mushroom pie! I’ve only been to Dublin, but visited the Guinness Brewery and thoroughly enjoyed the tour and a Guinness beer!
Thanks so much Lynne! So happy you stopped by. We enjoyed Dublin as well.
Love this! I’d like to invite you to link up to Saturday Spotlight @ Angels Homestead.
Hope to see you there
April
Love your pictures of Ireland. The Irish steak sounds yummy. Know Papa would like it.
I know he would too.
Hi Claire,
I share your Irish heritage and your Steak and Mushroom Pie looks delicious. I really enjoyed your photos of the Irish country side. Hope you are having a great Valentine Weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Thanks so much Miz. Helen – it’s always a treat {and a blessing} when I visit your site.
OMG this is fabulous! It’s a must make. Pinned!
Aww, thanks Dorothy! I figured you might like it. The “crust” is drool worthy. lol
Oh this looks REALLY good!!! I am a sucker for Pot Pie Dishes! Thank you so much for stopping in and linking up at Knock Our Socks Off!
xo
Angelina
Thanks so much Angelina! It is one of our favorites! Thanks for stopping in!
What a fabulous post and recipe. I pinned it.
Thanks so much, Savannah!
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