Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

British corned beef pie is a delightful dish that brings comfort to any dinner table. The Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie combines savory flavors and hearty ingredients, making it ideal for family gatherings, casual dinners, or a cozy night in. This dish features a flaky homemade pastry enveloping a rich filling of corned beef, vegetables, and spices. With its historical roots during WWII rationing in the UK, this pie not only satisfies hunger but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the cooking process with straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef stock, mustard, and fresh herbs creates a robust taste that warms the heart.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep; this pie is great for leftovers too!
• Comfort Food Classic: A true British favorite that evokes warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like carrots and celery alongside protein-rich corned beef, it’s both filling and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring your pastry is perfectly thin.
• Pie dish: Provides structure to your pie, allowing for even cooking and presentation.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining your ingredients without making a mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.

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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

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add chilled butter and lard to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them together until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in vinegar.
4. Gradually add water until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter.
2. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in diced potatoes and crumbled corned beef.
4. Pour in beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, black pepper, and parsley. Cook until heated through.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out half of the chilled pastry on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
3. Place rolled pastry into the pie dish and fill with the meat mixture.
4. Roll out the remaining pastry to cover the top; seal edges by crimping with fingers or fork tines.

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.
3. Allow cooling slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your deliciously comforting Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

Serving Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. This pie is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

With a Side Salad

• A refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pie beautifully.

Topped with Gravy

• Drizzling homemade gravy over each slice enhances the flavors and adds an extra layer of moisture to the dish.

Accompanied by Pickles

• Tangy pickles or pickled vegetables provide a nice contrast to the savory pie, balancing out the flavors on your plate.

Paired with Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes served alongside the pie create a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Served with Steamed Vegetables

• Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition, making for a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

To achieve the best results with your Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will enhance flavor and texture, ensuring your pie is a hit.

• Chill your ingredients: Ensure that both your butter and lard are chilled when making the pastry. This helps create a flaky crust.
• Don’t rush the caramelization: Slowly cook the onions until they are golden brown. This step adds depth of flavor to the filling.
• Season well: Taste your filling before baking. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to ensure robust flavors throughout.
• Let it rest: Allow your pie to cool for about 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps set the filling and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie elevates your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this classic dish perfectly.

1. Roasted Root Vegetables
   A mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized adds natural sweetness and earthiness to your plate.
2. Colcannon
   This traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale is creamy and flavorful, enhancing the comfort factor of your meal.
3. Brussels Sprouts
   Sauté Brussels sprouts with garlic for an aromatic side that provides crunch and contrast against the soft pie texture.
4. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob provides a pop of sweetness and vibrant color, making it an appealing addition to your dinner spread.
5. Herbed Rice
   Fluffy rice flavored with fresh herbs like parsley or dill serves as a light side that complements the hearty pie without overpowering it.
6. Baked Beans
   A side of savory baked beans brings a touch of sweetness while adding protein, making it a satisfying accompaniment to this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie can be simple, but avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Bold pastry mistakes: Using warm ingredients can cause the pastry to become tough. Always keep butter and lard chilled before mixing.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all veggies are diced to similar sizes for consistent texture.
• Overfilling the pie: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to seal the pastry properly. Use just enough filling to fill the pie without overflowing.
• Forgetting seasoning: Skipping or under-seasoning can result in bland flavors. Be generous with herbs, spices, and broth for a well-rounded taste.
• Skipping rest time: Not letting the pastry rest can affect its texture. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
• Rushing cooking time: Cooking at too high a temperature may burn the crust while leaving the inside undercooked. Bake at a moderate temperature for even results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container.
• The pie will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1 minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie, check out these FAQs for clarity and tips!

What is Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie?

Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie is a savory dish made with corned beef, vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust that’s excellent as comfort food.

Can I use fresh corned beef instead of canned?

Yes, you can use cooked, shredded fresh corned beef instead of canned corned beef for added flavor and texture.

How do I customize my Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie?

You can add other vegetables like peas or swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes for unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie?

This pie pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that complements its hearty nature.

How do I know when my pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and flaky, and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Corned Beef Pie is not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Give it a try today!