Aberdeen Beef Pie

INTRODUCTION

Aberdeen Beef Pie is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Originating from the northeast of Scotland, it combines hearty beef with delicious vegetables, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust. This dish is not only filling but also packed with flavor, making it a favorite in many homes. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy night in.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons why you’ll love making Aberdeen Beef Pie. Firstly, it’s a one-dish meal that offers everything you need in one bite. The tender beef, fresh vegetables, and crispy crust come together to create a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Secondly, this pie is versatile; you can serve it with various sides or enjoy it on its own. It’s wonderful for warming up on a chilly night, and leftovers taste even better the next day. Additionally, the recipe is simple enough for beginners but still impressive enough for seasoned cooks. You’ll feel proud serving this homemade pie to your family or guests.

Lastly, making Aberdeen Beef Pie is an excellent way to indulge in comfort food without too much effort. The rich, hearty filling will satisfy your hunger, while the golden crust adds a lovely crunch.

HOW TO MAKE Aberdeen Beef Pie

Making Aberdeen Beef Pie is an easy and enjoyable process. The key is to focus on browning the ingredients properly and giving the pie enough time to bake to a golden brown. You’ll find all the steps to make this amazing dish outlined below.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Aberdeen Beef Pie, you will need the following equipment:

• A Dutch oven
• A cooking spatula
• A large mixing bowl
• A rolling pin
• An ungreased 11×7-inch baking dish
• A pastry brush (optional)

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 1/4 pound sliced bacon, diced
• 3 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1-1/2 cups halved fresh baby carrots
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and let it drain on paper towels.
3. In the same pan, brown the beef in the bacon drippings. It’s best to do this in batches to ensure the beef browns properly. Once browned, drain and set the beef aside.
4. Add chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it is crisp-tender. This will add flavor to your filling.
5. Once the onions are ready, add the halved carrots, bacon, and the browned beef back to the pan, stirring to mix.
6. In a small bowl, combine the flour, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then pour it into the beef mixture.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer the filling until the beef is tender, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
8. Stir in the frozen peas, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
9. Transfer the filling to an ungreased 11×7-inch baking dish.
10. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
11. Cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape. Place the crust over the filling, trim and seal the edges carefully.
12. If desired, brush the top of the crust with the lightly beaten egg for a golden glaze.
13. Bake the pie in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, about 35-40 minutes.
14. Once baked, let it stand for 15 minutes before serving.
15. Enjoy your delicious Aberdeen Beef Pie, and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.

HOW TO SERVE Aberdeen Beef Pie

Aberdeen Beef Pie is best served warm. Slice the pie into generous pieces and serve it on a plate. It pairs well with a side salad or creamy mashed potatoes, but it can also stand alone as a hearty meal. Feel free to add a spoonful of gravy or mustard for an extra punch of flavor.

To enhance your dining experience, you can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. This pie will surely be a hit at your dinner table.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Aberdeen Beef Pie

After enjoying your Aberdeen Beef Pie, you may have some leftovers, which is great! This pie stores well in the fridge. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you’d like to freeze the pie, you can do that too. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, it can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven until heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Aberdeen Beef Pie is a filling dish that pairs perfectly with many sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pie.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the hearty filling and sauce beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans or broccoli add a nice touch of color and health to your plate.
• Bread Rolls: Some warm bread rolls can help mop up any extra gravy from the pie.

VARIATIONS

Aberdeen Beef Pie is versatile, and you can modify it based on your preferences. Here are some variations to consider:

• Vegetable Variations: You can mix in other vegetables such as potatoes, corn, or green beans for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Adding chili flakes or hot sauce can give this hearty pie a kick.
• Different Meats: Substitute the beef with lamb or chicken, which adds a different flavor profile to the dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms and a variety of hearty vegetables instead of beef to create a delicious vegetarian version.

FAQs

1. Can I make Aberdeen Beef Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Assemble the pie and bake it the next day for a quick meal.

2. How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. A thermometer can also be used; the filling should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade crust will add a lovely flavor and texture to your pie.

4. What should I do if the crust is browning too quickly?
If the crust is browning too fast, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning while the filling continues to cook.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Aberdeen Beef Pie

If you want to save time, consider these make-ahead tips:

• Prep the Filling: You can make the filling a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pie.
• Freeze the Filling: You can also freeze the filling. When you’re ready to make the pie, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
• Assemble and Freeze: Assembled but unbaked pies can be frozen. Just bake it straight from the freezer, although it may require additional baking time.

With these simple tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Aberdeen Beef Pie at your convenience. This pie is sure to bring comfort and warmth to your kitchen, making it a cherished recipe for many years to come.

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