Beef and Guinness Pie

St. Patrick's Day came early in my house. Yesterday was my son's birthday, and because Carson has started working like an Oompa Loompa and won't be home for dinner on Thursday, I decided to make our Irish-themed dinner last night. I found this recipe for Beef and Guinness Pie via a friend, and you don't have to convince me to make something if it has the words "beef," "Guinness," and "pie" in it.

Two things. First, it was FANTASTIC. I mean, fan-freaking-tastic! The beef fell apart on your fork, the flaky puff pastry gave it a wonderful, buttery richness, and you could taste the Guinness in every, single bite. Secondly, the recipe made enough for a small, no - large, army. It quickly became apparent to me that I did not have bowls or baking dishes big enough to contain the ingredients (as evident below in my pictures). My oven needs some cleaning. Oh well, worth it! Serves 6-8, the recipe says. 6-8 competitive eaters, maybe.

gigantic bowl of meat, onions, mushrooms, beef stock, tomato paste, garlic, thyme and beer...


flour added and into the too-small baking dish...


after three and a half hours of baking...


puff pastry and egg wash added...


ta da!


I served it with Buttered Peas and Susie's Potatoes. Ok, who wants leftovers? Come over quick before I turn into a 200-pound woman.