Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

British corned beef pie, or Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie, is a delightful dish that combines comforting flavors and easy preparation. This classic recipe is perfect for family dinners or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a hearty meal. With its rich filling of tender corned beef, vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust, this pie stands out as a delicious tribute to British culinary traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking experience.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of corned beef and vegetables ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it hot or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers can be stored easily, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Comfort Food Classic: Enjoy the warm, nostalgic flavors that remind you of home.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Helps in evenly rolling out the pastry dough to achieve the perfect thickness.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling, ensuring a mess-free prep.
• Baking dish: A good quality dish distributes heat evenly for a perfectly cooked pie.

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Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (chilled)
• 5 tablespoons lard
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 4-6 tablespoons water

For the Filling

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cups yellow onion (chopped)
• 1½ cups carrot (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 4 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 3 red potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 12-ounce cans corned beef (crumbled)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1¼ teaspoon English mustard (such as Colman’s)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

How to Make Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the chilled butter and lard until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add vinegar and water gradually until a dough forms.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. In a large skillet, melt salted butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in diced potatoes and crumbled corned beef; mix well.
4. Pour in beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and pepper; simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out half of the chilled pastry onto a floured surface; fit into a baking dish.
3. Spoon the filling into the crust evenly.
4. Roll out the remaining pastry for the top; place it over the filling and seal edges.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 45-60 minutes or until golden brown.

This Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie will soon become a family favorite! Enjoy every slice filled with warmth and flavor.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, serving this pie with the right accompaniments can elevate the meal.

With Fresh Salad

• A light, crisp salad can balance the richness of the pie. Consider mixing greens like arugula or spinach with cherry tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette.

Accompanied by Gravy

• A rich beef gravy can add moisture and flavor to each slice of pie. Pour it over the piece just before serving for an extra treat.

With Pickles and Chutney

• Serving pickles or tangy chutneys alongside can provide a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the pie. Try sweet pickle relish or homemade apple chutney for a delightful twist.

Side of Mashed Potatoes

• For those who crave more comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent side. They pair nicely with the pie’s filling and add to the heartiness of the meal.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing each slice with fresh parsley not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

To ensure your Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill your butter: Keeping your butter chilled will create a flakier crust. This is essential for achieving that perfect shortcrust pastry texture.

• Use cold water: When mixing your dough, use cold water to maintain that chill in your ingredients. This helps develop a light and airy crust.

• Don’t overwork the dough: Handle your dough gently and avoid over-kneading. This will keep it tender and flaky rather than tough.

• Let it rest: Allow your pastry dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This relaxes the gluten, making it easier to work with.

• Pre-cook your filling: Sautéing onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the pie will enhance their flavors and prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.

• Check for golden brown: Bake until your pie’s crust is beautifully golden brown. This indicates that it’s well-cooked and ready to enjoy!

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie can enhance its flavors and make for a satisfying meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Green Beans: These add color and crunch; simply steam until tender and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted until caramelized complement the savory flavors of the pie beautifully.

3. Colcannon: A traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, providing a delightful creamy texture.

4. Creamy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side made with cucumbers in yogurt dressing helps cut through the richness of the pie.

5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts well with savory dishes; bake until tender for an easy side option.

6. Apple Sauce: The natural sweetness of apple sauce provides a nice balance to the savory profile of corned beef pie; serve chilled or warm as preferred.

7. Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is always a crowd-pleaser; grill or boil until tender for best results.

8. Mixed Grain Salad: Quinoa or barley salad mixed with herbs adds texture and nutrients while complementing your main dish wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• It’s easy to overlook the importance of chilling the fat. If the butter and lard are not chilled, your pastry may turn out tough instead of flaky. Always refrigerate them before use.
• Don’t forget to measure your ingredients correctly. Inaccurate measurements can affect the texture and flavor of your Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Be mindful of not overcooking the filling. If you cook it for too long, the vegetables may become mushy and lose their flavor. Cook just until tender before assembling your pie.
• Avoid skipping the resting time for the dough. Letting your pastry rest allows the gluten to relax, leading to a more tender crust after baking. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
• Don’t neglect seasoning your filling adequately. A bland filling can ruin an otherwise delicious pie. Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Be cautious with oven temperature settings. An oven that is too hot can burn the crust before the filling is cooked through. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

Freezing Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 2-3 minutes; check frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to keep moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie?
Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie is a traditional British dish made with canned corned beef, vegetables, and a shortcrust pastry crust, perfect for family dinners.

Can I customize my Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie?
Yes! You can add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms or adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.

How do I know when my pie is done baking?
Your pie is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy, typically after about 45-50 minutes in a preheated oven.

Can I use fresh corned beef instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooked beforehand and crumbled appropriately before mixing it with other ingredients.

How do I prevent my pastry from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, partially bake your crust before adding filling or ensure all ingredients are well-drained before combining.

Final Thoughts

The Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie is a hearty dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to any dinner table. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it might just become a new family favorite!