Go Back

Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies

These mini hand pies are filled with tender, flavorful beef stew and topped with a sweet, creamy layer of mashed sweet potato, all enclosed in a flaky, golden crust. They are perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a delightful treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 12 pies

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Small bowl
  • pastry blender
  • Rolling Pin
  • round cutter

Ingredients
  

Rough Puff Pastry

  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of our flaky crust.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt To bring out all those delicious flavors.
  • 1.5 cups cold butter cubed. The secret to those amazing layers! Make sure it's super cold.
  • 0.67 cup ice water Again, keeping it cold is key for a tender pastry.

Pie Dough

  • 5 cups all-purpose flour More of our trusty flour for the pie crust.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Just a little more flavor.
  • 1 cup cold butter cubed. More cold butter for that perfect texture.
  • 0.75 cup cold water Our binding liquid.

Beef Filling

  • 2.25 pounds beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast is perfect here for its tenderness when slow-cooked.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided. For sautéing our aromatics and browning the beef.
  • 1 large onion chopped. Adds a lovely sweet and savory base.
  • 4 carrots peeled and diced. For sweetness and that classic stew flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic minced. Because everything is better with garlic!
  • 3 sprigs thyme Earthy and aromatic, a perfect pairing for beef.
  • 2 sprigs parsley For a fresh, herbaceous note.
  • 1 bay leaf To deepen the savory flavor.
  • 3 cups beef broth divided. The liquid base for our rich stew.
  • 0.5 cup brewed dark coffee Adds incredible depth and complexity to the beef. Don't skip this!
  • 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate chopped. A little secret ingredient that adds richness without making it taste like chocolate.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce For umami and a touch of saltiness.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce The magical ingredient that brings all the savory flavors together.
  • 1 tablespoon steak sauce Another layer of savory goodness.
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch To thicken our delicious gravy.
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Works with the cornstarch to create a silky sauce.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
  • 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen. For a pop of color and sweetness.
  • 1 large egg divided (white and yolk separated). For a beautiful golden egg wash.

Sweet Potato Layer

  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed. Their natural sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the savory beef.
  • 3 tablespoons butter To make them wonderfully creamy.
  • 2 tablespoons honey For a touch more sweetness and a lovely sheen.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt To balance the sweetness.
  • Black pepper A pinch to add a subtle warmth.

Instructions
 

  • For the Rough Puff Pastry, whisk together the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until it looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just starts to come together. Don't overmix! Wrap it up in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  • For the Pie Dough, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until it's crumbly. Gradually add the cold water until the dough just forms. Divide this dough into two equal discs, wrap them in plastic, and chill them for at least 1 hour. This resting time is super important for a tender crust.
  • Pat the beef cubes nice and dry. Season them generously with salt and pepper. In a big pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Once browned, set the beef aside.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Toss in your chopped onion and carrots and let them cook until they start to soften, about 8-10 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's fragrant.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the thyme sprigs, parsley sprigs, bay leaf, 2 cups of beef broth, brewed coffee, chopped bittersweet chocolate, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and steak sauce. Stir. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 to 2½ hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, 3 tablespoons of flour, and the remaining 1 cup of beef broth to make a slurry. Once the beef is tender, stir this slurry into the beef mixture. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens. Remove the thyme sprigs, parsley sprigs, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the green peas and let the filling cool slightly.
  • Boil your cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well, then mash them with butter, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your muffin tins. Roll out one disc of pie dough and line each cup of the muffin tin. Fill each dough-lined cup about halfway with the beef filling. Spoon a generous layer of mashed sweet potato on top of the beef.
  • Roll out the second disc of pie dough. Cut out circles larger than the muffin tin cups. Place these circles on top of the sweet potato layer. Gently press and crimp the edges to seal them. Cut a small slit or vent in the top of each pie.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the mini pies with this mixture.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool slightly in the muffin tin before removing. Serve warm.

Notes

You can make the beef filling and sweet potato mash a day in advance. These mini pies freeze beautifully and can be reheated in a moderate oven.