Beef and Ale Pie

Instructions

1. 1
   Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large casserole and brown the meat in batches, then set aside.
2. 2
   In the same pot, sauté onions and carrots until softened. Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.
3. 3
   Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 2 minutes. Pour in ale and stock, scraping up browned bits.
4. 4
   Return beef to pot. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 1.5 hours until beef is very tender.
5. 5
   Transfer beef mixture to a pie dish and cool slightly. Remove bay leaves.
6. 6
   Preheat oven to 200°C. Lay pastry over the filling, trim edges, and brush with beaten egg.
7. 7
   Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown and puffed.
8. 8
   Rest for 5 minutes before serving.