Australian Beef and Beetroot Pie with Thyme-Infused Pastry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory beef pie packed with tender chunks of beef and sweet beetroot, encased in a flaky thyme-scented pastry crust. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes layers beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper; brown in batches for 5-6 minutes until deeply caramelized; transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 cup diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup diced carrots; sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot along with 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 cup drained diced canned beetroot, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 1 1/2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out 2 sheets puff pastry on a lightly floured surface; line four 1-cup pie dishes with pastry.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the beef and beetroot filling evenly into the pastry-lined dishes. Cover with pastry tops, seal edges by pressing with a fork, and brush with 1 beaten egg.
  7. Step 7: Cut small vents in the pastry tops and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and puffed.
  8. Step 8: Let pies rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Australian Beef and Beetroot Pie with Thyme-Infused Pastry take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (30 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Australian Beef and Beetroot Pie with Thyme-Infused Pastry?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Australian Beef and Beetroot Pie with Thyme-Infused Pastry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Australian Beef and Beetroot Pie with Thyme-Infused Pastry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Australian Beef and Beetroot Pie with Thyme-Infused Pastry?

Australian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.