How to make Roast Beef Pot Pie
In the realm of comfort food, there are a select few dishes that hold a special place in our hearts such as the beloved roast beef pot pie. Imagine a world where tender morsels of succulent roast beef, bathed in a luscious, savory gravy, nestle alongside a flaky, golden pie crust that crumbles at the mere touch. A symphony of flavors and textures, this classic dish is the epitome of comfort food, a culinary hug that wraps you in its embrace.
Roast beef pot pie transcends mere sustenance; it evokes cherished memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. It’s the aroma that wafts through the kitchen, a fragrant promise of the delicious feast to come. Whether you’re seeking solace on a cold winter’s evening or aiming to dazzle your dinner guests with a hearty, homemade creation, this roast beef pot pie recipe is an absolute must-try.
Here you will find all the basics to make a roast beef pot pie that not only satisfies your taste buds but also warms your soul. We’ll start with tender, leftover roast beef—perhaps a remnant of a festive holiday meal—and elevate it to new heights of gastronomic delight. With the addition of aromatic herbs, a velvety gravy, and an indulgent pastry crust, we’ll create a dish that embodies comfort and culinary finesse.
So get ready to embark on a journey through the heartwarming world of roast beef pot pie. As you follow this recipe’s simple steps and embrace the joy of home cooking, you’ll discover that the true magic of this dish lies not just in its ingredients but in the love and memories it brings to life on your dining table.
Tip: Use store-bought crust
You can make your own homemade crust but to save time, you can use store-bought pie crust. The filling is so delicious nobody will notice!
Roast Beef Pot Pie
Ingredients
- 1 2-pound roast cooked (this is a great way to use leftovers)
- 1 12-ounce package of baby carrots
- 5 medium red potatoes
- 3-5 celery stalks
- 1 medium onion
- 1 ¼ cup beef broth
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 9-inch pie crust (two layers). You can use prepackaged or make from scratch.
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 F
Chop celery, onion and red potatoes. Heat vegetable oil in skillet. When oil is hot, saute onion and garlic until onions are translucent. Add in potatoes, baby carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
Combine broth and flour. Add to pan with vegetable and bring to boil. Allow to thicken. Add in roast beef. Stir well.
Place pie crust in cast iron (or other) pan. Pour in filling. Add top crust to pot pie and use a fork or knife to put small holes in top of crust.
Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes, then turn temperature down to 375. Bake for 30-35 more minutes, until gravy is hot and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Roast Beef Pot Pie
Ingredients
- * 1 2-pound roast cooked (this is a great way to use leftovers)
- * 1 12-ounce package of baby carrots
- * 5 medium red potatoes
- * 3-5 celery stalks
- * 1 medium onion
- * 1 ¼ cup beef broth
- * ⅓ cup flour
- * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- * 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- * ¼ teaspoon pepper
- * ½ teaspoon salt
- * 1 9-inch pie crust (two layers).
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F
- Chop celery, onion and red potatoes. Heat vegetable oil in skillet. When oil is hot, saute onion and garlic until onions are translucent. Add in potatoes, baby carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Combine broth and flour. Add to pan with vegetable and bring to boil. Allow to thicken. Add in roast beef. Stir well.
- Place pie crust in cast iron (or other) pan. Pour in filling. Add top crust to pot pie and use a fork or knife to put small holes in top of crust.
- Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes, then turn temperature down to 375. Bake for 30-35 more minutes, until gravy is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Basic Pie Crust
This recipe is enough for two eight-inch pies, or one eight-inch pie with a top crust.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter
- 6-8 Tablespoons very cold water
Directions
- Scoop flour into large bowl and add salt. Mix well with whisk or fork. Cut butter into 1×1 inch cubes. Add to flour and salt mixture. Use pastry cutter or two forks to cut in butter. Keep doing this until butter is the size of peas. Slowly add in the water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently. Dough should hold together well, but not be too wet. Do not over mix or your crust will be tough.
- Roll dough out onto wax paper.
- When ready to bake, follow instructions for recipe.
Tips for the best Roast Beef Pot Pie ever
To make the best roast beef pot pie, consider these tips and tricks to elevate your culinary creation:
- Use High-Quality Roast Beef: The quality of your roast beef will significantly impact the final flavor and texture of your pot pie. Opt for well-cooked, tender roast beef, and if possible, use leftovers from a previous roast dinner. This not only ensures a delicious filling but also reduces food waste.
- Season Thoughtfully: Seasoning is key to a flavorful pot pie. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper, and consider adding additional herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or a touch of paprika for depth of flavor.
- Balanced Gravy: Achieve the perfect gravy consistency by whisking continuously while adding the broth and milk. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Don’t Overload with Vegetables: While vegetables are a key component of pot pie, don’t overstuff the filling with them. A cup of mixed vegetables is usually sufficient to complement the roast beef without overwhelming it.
- Prevent a Soggy Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust before adding the filling. Simply line the pie dish with the crust, prick it with a fork, and bake it for a few minutes until it sets before adding the filling.
- Properly Seal the Edges: Ensure that the top and bottom crusts are securely sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. You can crimp the edges with a fork or use a simple egg wash to glue them together.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the top crust with an egg wash not only gives it a beautiful golden color but also adds a glossy sheen. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in presentation.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pot pie to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice neatly.
- Experiment with Flaky Layers: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making your own pastry dough from scratch. It can result in an even flakier and more flavorful crust. But if you’re short on time, pre-made pie crusts work just fine.
- Serve with Care: To complete the experience, serve your roast beef pot pie with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to delight your taste buds.
- Personalize Your Filling: Feel free to add personal touches to the filling. You can include mushrooms, pearl onions, or other favorite vegetables for added depth of flavor and variety.
- Reheat with Caution: If you have leftovers, reheat them gently in the oven to maintain the flakiness of the crust. Microwaving can make it soggy.
By following these tips and infusing your roast beef pot pie with care and attention to detail, you’ll create a culinary masterpiece that’s both comforting and memorable for everyone fortunate enough to enjoy it.
What to serve with Roast Beef Pot Pie
Roast Beef Pot Pie is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own, but serving it with complementary sides can enhance the dining experience.
Here are some suggestions for what to serve alongside your pot pie:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with pot pie. They provide a wonderful contrast in texture and taste, and you can even create a well in the potatoes to ladle the pot pie filling.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add a touch of elegance and balance to the meal. The caramelized flavors of roasted veggies complement the savory pot pie filling.
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pot pie.
- Coleslaw: Coleslaw, with its crunchy cabbage and creamy dressing, offers a nice textural contrast and a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
- Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: Freshly baked biscuits or dinner rolls are great for sopping up the delicious gravy from the pot pie. They’re also convenient for making mini pot pie sandwiches.
- Pickles and Pickled Onions: A side of pickles or pickled onions can provide a zesty and tangy element that cuts through the richness of the pot pie.
- Cranberry Sauce: If you’re in the mood for a touch of sweetness, cranberry sauce or chutney can provide a delightful flavor contrast to the savory pot pie.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, such as apples or pears cooked with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, can serve as a delightful side, especially during the fall and winter months.
Remember to choose sides that suit your personal preferences and the occasion. The goal is to create a well-rounded meal with a balance of flavors and textures that complement the star of the show, the roast beef pot pie. Enjoy your delicious meal!