Spicy Beef Pie with Jalapeños and Cheese

Spicy Beef Pie with Jalapeños and Cheese : A Hearty Comfort Dish

This Spicy Beef Pie is a timeless recipe passed down by my grandmother, perfect for using leftover shredded beef. With tender beef, spicy jalapeños, and gooey melted cheese all wrapped in a golden crust, this pie delivers a savory and spicy kick that's perfect for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing main dish.

If you're a fan of hearty meals that bring comfort and flavor, then this beef pie with jalapeños and cheese will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Beef Pie

• Comfort Food Classic: Tender shredded beef combined with melted cheese and a flaky crust makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
• A Little Kick of Spice: Jalapeños give the pie just the right amount of spice, balanced perfectly with the richness of beef and cheese.
• Easy to Make: Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers bold flavors.

Ingredients for Spicy Beef Pie

For the Filling:

• 1 pound cooked shredded beef
• 2 jalapeños (seeded and chopped)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pie:

• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions to Make Spicy Beef Pie with Jalapeños and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and garlic for about 3 minutes until softened.
2. Add jalapeños: Stir in the chopped jalapeños and cook for another 2 minutes. This adds the spicy flavor but keeps it mild by removing the seeds.
3. Make the roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir for 1 minute to create a roux that will thicken the filling.
4. Add liquids: Slowly pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Mix in the beef and cheese: Add the shredded beef, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Prepare the crust: Place one of the pie crusts into a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Add the filling: Pour the prepared beef and cheese mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Top with the second crust: Lay the second pie crust over the filling, crimping the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve

Serve this Spicy Beef Pie warm and enjoy the flavors of tender beef, melted cheese, and the slight kick from the jalapeños.

Tips for the Best Spicy Beef Pie

• Control the Spice Level: If you want to dial down the heat, remove all the seeds from the jalapeños. For an extra kick, leave some seeds or add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Cheese Varieties: Swap out Monterey Jack or cheddar for pepper jack cheese for even more spice.
• Store Leftovers: This pie stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven to enjoy the crispiness of the crust again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly in this recipe. However, if you prefer a homemade touch, feel free to make your own pie crust from scratch.

Q2: How can I make this pie less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, make sure to remove all the seeds from the jalapeños or substitute them with milder peppers like poblano.

Q3: Can I freeze the pie?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pie. When ready to bake, let it thaw slightly and bake as directed.

Pro Tips from Chefs

• Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef filling for an extra layer of umami flavor.
• Chef Nigella Lawson recommends brushing the top crust with an egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish.