If you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, look no further than Brisket Pot Pie. This hearty and flavorful recipe takes tender, juicy brisket and wraps it in a flaky, golden crust with savory vegetables and a rich gravy. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover brisket and transform it into a completely new, mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat your family to something special, this brisket pot pie is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients for Brisket Pot Pie
- 2 cups cooked brisket, shredded or chopped (leftover brisket works perfectly)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust)
Instructions for Brisket Pot Pie
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- Prepare the gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens into a smooth gravy.
- Add the brisket and peas: Stir in the shredded or chopped brisket and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, making sure everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed, and then remove from heat.
- Assemble the pot pie: Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to ensure it’s even. Pour the brisket and vegetable mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
- Top the pie: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Press the edges of both crusts together to seal the pie, trimming any excess dough. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake the pot pie: Place the pot pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Let it rest: Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes serving much easier.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the brisket pot pie into wedges and serve hot. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Notes
- Leftover brisket: This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover brisket from a previous meal. The rich flavors of the brisket make the filling of the pot pie incredibly flavorful.
- Thickening the filling: If the gravy is too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. Alternatively, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stirring it into the mixture.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the pie just before baking.
- Pie crust: If you prefer homemade pie crust, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Store-bought refrigerated pie crusts are a convenient option and work perfectly in this recipe.
Variations of Brisket Pot Pie
- Vegetarian Brisket Pot Pie: For a vegetarian twist, replace the brisket with a plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or seitan. You can add more vegetables like potatoes, corn, or bell peppers to bulk up the filling.
- Spicy Brisket Pot Pie: Add a bit of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the filling. You can also mix in a tablespoon of chipotle chili powder for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Potato Crust Pot Pie: Swap out the traditional pie crust for a mashed potato topping for a fun twist. Spread a layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top of the brisket filling, then bake until golden and crispy.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this brisket pot pie, you can skip the traditional pie crust and use a cauliflower crust or almond flour-based crust instead. Alternatively, you can top the filling with a layer of mashed cauliflower or mashed avocado for a rich, creamy topping. This reduces the carbs while still delivering all the comfort of a traditional pot pie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other meats in this recipe? Yes, this pot pie can be made with other meats such as roast beef, chicken, or turkey. If using a leaner meat, you may want to add a bit more cream or broth to ensure the filling remains rich and creamy.
2. Can I freeze brisket pot pie? Yes, you can freeze the assembled pot pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
3. Can I use store-bought gravy instead of making my own? While homemade gravy adds a rich flavor, you can use store-bought beef gravy as a shortcut. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as store-bought gravy can be saltier.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier? For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the filling. You can also add a bit of ground cayenne pepper to the gravy for extra heat.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the pot pie when you’re ready to serve.
This Brisket Pot Pie is a perfect comfort food recipe that takes full advantage of leftover brisket, transforming it into a flavorful, hearty meal. With its rich filling, golden crust, and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this pot pie is the ultimate way to enjoy tender brisket in a delicious new form
