Name: Savory Irish Beef Sweet Potato Mini Pies Delight
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 6 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: For the Rough Puff Pastry: 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups cold butter, cubed; ⅔ cup ice water; For the Pie Dough: 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cold butter, cubed; ¾ cup cold water; For the Beef Filling: 2¼ pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 carrots, peeled and diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 sprigs thyme; 2 sprigs parsley; 1 bay leaf; 3 cups beef broth, divided; ½ cup brewed dark coffee; 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons steak sauce; ¼ cup cornstarch; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen); 1 large egg, divided (white and yolk separated); For the Sweet Potato Layer: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons honey

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Savory Irish Beef Sweet Potato Mini Pies delightfully cradled in flaky pastry, combining rich beef stew and sweet potato mash in a tender crust. This dish is a perfect representation of comfort food, encapsulating the essence of Irish cuisine with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or seeking a hearty family dinner, these mini pies present a delightful option that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Irish Beef Sweet

This recipe makes for a delicious Irish beef dish that is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory beef stew and sweet, creamy potatoes brings a unique flavor balance that appeals to everyone. You’ll particularly enjoy:

Rich flavor profile from the use of dark coffee and bittersweet chocolate.
Customizable ingredients to suit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
Perfect for meal prep, as they store and reheat well.
An engaging cooking experience that results in a tender Irish beef dinner.
Impressive enough for entertaining guests but simple enough for a weeknight.
Adventurous and traditional mix, showcasing both savory and sweet elements.

This Irish beef recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of Irish cuisine in a fun and accessible format.

Ingredients for Savory Irish Beef Sweet

Gather these items:

For the Rough Puff Pastry: 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups cold butter, cubed
⅔ cup ice water
For the Pie Dough: 5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter, cubed
¾ cup cold water
For the Beef Filling: 2¼ pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs parsley
1 bay leaf
3 cups beef broth, divided
½ cup brewed dark coffee
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons steak sauce
¼ cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1 large egg, divided (white and yolk separated)
For the Sweet Potato Layer: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

How to Make Savory Irish Beef Sweet Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Rough Puff Pastry: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add butter cubes and cut them into the flour until small chunks remain. Gradually pour in cold water, stirring until dough forms a rough, shaggy mass. Shape into a rectangle, roll out to about 7×18 inches, and fold the ends toward the center like a book. Turn 90 degrees, roll again, fold, and repeat twice. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Step 2: Make the Pie Dough: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add cold butter cubes and work them in with a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Gradually add water until the dough comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Stew Filling: Tie thyme, parsley, and bay leaf together with kitchen twine. Season beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned, about 8 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside. Add remaining oil, onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and lightly browned. Return beef to the pot, add 2½ cups broth, coffee, chocolate, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and steak sauce. Drop in the tied herbs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2½ hours, stirring occasionally. Remove herbs and add cornstarch mixed with remaining ½ cup broth. Stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in peas, season to taste, and let cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Sweet Potato Mash: Boil sweet potato cubes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Stir in butter, honey, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside to cool.
Step 5: Assemble the Mini Pies: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin. Roll pie dough to ¼ inch thick and cut out 4-inch rounds. Line each muffin cup, leaving a slight overhang. Prick the bottoms with a fork, line with foil, and add pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake 5 minutes more. Brush crusts with egg white and bake 2–3 minutes to seal. Cool completely. Spoon a tablespoon of mashed sweet potato into each crust, then fill nearly to the top with beef stew.
Step 6: Add the Puff Pastry Toppers: Roll the rough puff pastry to ¼ inch thick. Cut out rounds to fit each mini pie. Brush the bottom crust edges with egg white and press the pastry lids on top to seal. Beat the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water and brush over the tops. Cut a small slit in each for steam to escape.
Step 7: Bake and Serve: Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake pies for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving warm.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Savory Irish Beef Sweet

Keep these in mind:

Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 5 hours
Total time: 6 hours
Yield: 12 mini pies
Category: Main course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish
Diet: None
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the beef stew.
Ensure the pastry is chilled before baking for a flakier texture.

Best Ways to Serve Savory Irish Beef Sweet

These mini pies pair beautifully with:

A fresh green salad for a light contrast.
Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting side.
A glass of stout or a robust red wine enhances the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Savory Irish Beef Sweet

To store, keep the mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. This makes for an easy meal prep option, perfect for busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Irish Beef Sweet

What’s the secret to perfect Savory Irish Beef Sweet?

The secret lies in slow-cooking the beef to enhance its tenderness and flavor. Use fresh herbs and a touch of bittersweet chocolate to elevate the dish.

Can I make Savory Irish Beef Sweet ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and pastry ahead of time. Assemble and bake the mini pies before serving for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Savory Irish Beef Sweet?

Ensure not to overwork the dough for a flaky pastry. Also, give the beef enough time to simmer for optimal flavor and tenderness.

Variations of Savory Irish Beef Sweet You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Swap out the beef for lamb for a different flavor profile.
Add in other sweet vegetables like parsnips or squash for variety.
Try a vegetarian version using lentils or mushrooms instead of beef.

Savory Irish Beef Sweet Potato Mini Pies Delight - Savory Irish Beef Sweet - main visual representation

Savory Irish Beef Sweet Potato Mini Pies Delight - Savory Irish Beef Sweet - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pumpkin Cobbler or Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet. You can also explore Irresistible Award-Winning Pumpkin Bread for a sweet treat.

For more information on the benefits of slow cooking, you can visit Healthline.