Beef Pot Pie with Guinness

Step 1

Dump the flour in a shallow bowl and lightly toss the meat in it to completely coat it.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches, lightly brown the meat on all sides, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3

Add the remaining tablespoon oil to the drippings in the pan along with the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the carrot and celery, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 4

Return the meat to the pan, then add the stock or broth, Guinness, canned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, and chopped herbs and stir, using a wooden spoon to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, uncovered, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally and skimming any fat from the surface, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Step 5

Spoon the stew into an ovenproof pot or dish about 7 inches in diameter. Let cool. Alternatively, if you'd like a nice dome to your pot pie—and, hey, who doesn't?!—heap the filling in a slightly smaller baking dish.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 7

Brush the outside edge of the pot or dish with water, then gently place the sheet of pastry over the stew, pinching the pastry against the edge of the pot or dish to seal. (lf you like, you can crimp the pastry to form a decorative edge.) Brush the pastry generously with the egg wash and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Serve hot from the oven.