Savory Beef Steak Pie Recipe for Foodies
Greetings, foodies! As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for English Beef Steak Pie. Get ready for a heartwarming dish that will transport you to a cozy pub in London.
A steak pie is a traditional British meal, also known as a meat pie, famous for its delicious combination of slow-cooked braising steak and ale in the filling. The crust is made from flaky pastry that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the stew inside.
This recipe includes onions, mushrooms, and garlic blended with boneless round steak, russet potatoes, and steak ale to make a savory steak mushroom pie. Trust me; it’s comfort food at its finest.
The recipe ingredients are easy to find in your pantry, and I’m always trying different variations that go well with this classic dish – Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating included.
Now, let’s get started on making the perfect British Steak Ale Pie that will have your taste buds dancing from the first bite to the last crumb!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving some hearty British comfort food? Look no further than this delicious English Beef Steak Pie recipe! This dish is the epitome of traditional British cuisine – a slow-cooked steak and ale pie filled with succulent pieces of boneless round steak, russet potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and flavored with a rich gravy.
What’s not to love about this comforting classic? One bite and you’ll be transported to the cozy atmosphere of a British pub or a warm hearth on a chilly evening. The combination of savory beef and bitter ale creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
This steak pie recipe is perfect for those who enjoy cooking up a hearty meal that can feed everyone in the family. It’s also a great way to repurpose leftover cooked steak or beef stew meat from the night before. Transform your leftovers into something truly special by adding some fresh ingredients and crafting them into this satisfying pie recipe.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also easy to make. All you need are some basic pantry staples like flour and water, along with key fresh ingredients like onion, potato, and garlic cloves. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile too! You can adjust the seasonings, add more vegetables, use different types of ale or even switch out the meat for minced beef or kidney.
In conclusion, whether you’re serving this English Beef Steak Pie for dinner guests or simply enjoying it as a family meal on a chilly night in, you won’t be disappointed. It’s truly the best traditional meat pie served in Britain and it’s guaranteed to warm your heart and belly with every bite.
Ingredient List
To make the ultimate British comfort food, we will need the following recipe ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of boneless round steak or beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons of plain flour
- Salt and pepper to season
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 oz of olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
- 8 oz of button mushrooms, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp of thyme leaves
- Optional: handful of finely chopped kidney (from beef or pork), and/or a dash of Guinness and ale for extra flavor
Make sure to get high-quality ingredients, especially the beef. The best steak for English Beef Steak Pie Recipe is a slow-cooked British steak that makes the meat super tender.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get started. This recipe is a bit time-consuming but definitely worth the effort for the “wow” factors.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cut the Steak
Cut 1 ½ lb of boneless round steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches in size.
Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Vegetables
Next, chop 1 large onion and 2 peeled garlic cloves into small pieces. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion and garlic, and cook until they are translucent.
Step 4: Add the Steak
Add the cut up steak to the skillet with onions and garlic. Brown the meat on all sides for about five minutes or until it has a nice brown crust.
Step 5: Simmer the Steaks in Ale
Pour in 12 oz of ale, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet, then add 1 ½ cups of water to completely cover the steaks. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low, letting it simmer for one hour.
Step 6: Add Potatoes and Mushrooms
While the steak is cooking, peel and chop around 4 medium russet potatoes into small chunks about half an inch in size. After an hour, add potatoes to the skillet along with around 8 oz chopped mushrooms. Mix well and bring back to a simmer. Let this cook for another 30 minutes or until both vegetables are soft and tender.
Step 7: Make Flour Paste
In a separate bowl, mix together 4 tbsp plain flour with just enough water until it forms a thick paste.
Step 8: Pour Flour Paste Over the Steak Mixture
Once the vegetables are tender, remove the skillet from the heat and pour in the flour paste, making sure to stir continuously so that no lumps form.
Step 9: Put it all Together and Bake
Transfer the contents of the skillet to a greased deep dish pie pan. Take 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry and cover the top of the pan with it. Cut slits along the top of crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with 1 beaten egg for shine, and then bake it for around 20 minutes or until crust has turned golden brown.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Let it cool just enough so that it’s easier to handle, then slice and serve hot. And voila! You now have a traditional British comforting meal – Steak Ale Pie that is worth writing home about.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this classic British meal. Here are a few ideas:
– Pie Crust: If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own pastry crust, you can always use store-bought puff pastry or even a pre-made frozen pie crust.
– Vegetarian Option: If you’re not a fan of meat, you can always substitute the beef for diced mushrooms, chickpeas or even lentils. This vegetarian option is just as delicious and hearty as the traditional meat pie.
– Ale Variations: While steak and ale is the classic combination for the filling, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beer. Try using stout or porter for a rich and deeply flavored alternative.
– Meat Variations: If you don’t have access to British beef or if you just want to mix things up, try using lamb or venison instead. These meats also lend themselves well to slow cooking and will add an interesting twist to your pie.
– Topping Variations: If you’re not a fan of traditional pastry crusts, try substituting with mashed potatoes or sliced sweet potato. This will give your steak pie a unique and tasty twist.
With these substitutions and variations, you can create countless variations of this beloved comfort food dish. Unleash your creativity and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing an English Beef Steak Pie, there’s nothing quite like sticking to tradition. It’s no secret that the British love their pies, and this recipe is the epitome of classic British comfort food.
To start, I recommend serving your piping-hot pie with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes on top. The creaminess of the mash provides a nice contrast to the rich meat filling, while the russet potatoes add a subtle earthy flavor that complements the steak nicely.
But what about beverages? Well, if you really want to embrace the pub-style experience, I highly recommend pairing your steak ale pie with a hearty ale or beer. The bittersweet, malty flavors will match perfectly with the slow-cooked beef and mushroom filling.
However, if you prefer wine over beer, a full-bodied red such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Shiraz are excellent choices that can bring out the smoky taste in your meat pie. But for a truly authentic experience, I recommend sticking to ale or traditional British cider.
If you’re feeling fancy, then it’s never a bad idea to have some roasted vegetables –such as carrots or parsnips–on hand as well. Their natural sweetness can complement rich meat flavours better than any sauce too – simple seasoning of salt and pepper should do!
So whether you’re tucking into your pie at home on a cozy night or recreating an authentic British pub experience, serving your steak ale pie with mashed potatoes and washing it down with a cold pint of ale is bound to hit all the right spots!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this English Beef Steak Pie recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later. To make the most out of your meal prep, try making two pies at once and storing one in the freezer for a future meal.
To store your pie, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Alternatively, you may use airtight containers or sealable freezer bags. Make sure to label each container with the date of preparation and contents.
When you’re ready to reheat your pie, first thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the pie reheats evenly and prevents any sogginess. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the unwrapped pie on a baking sheet. Cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and place it in the oven.
For single servings, you can also reheat individual slices in a microwave, but be careful as it may not crisp up the pastry. Additionally, if any leftovers have been refrigerated, they should be consumed within three to four days or frozen for longer storage.
Remember, reheated pies are never going to be as good as freshly baked ones; but this recipe is resilient enough to taste just as delicious even when reheated. Give it a try for yourself!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the best steak pie, there are some tips for perfect results that I would like to share with you. This British comfort food is slowly braised in ale until the beef is so tender that it melts in your mouth, and then topped with a crispy, golden puff pastry crust. Here are some tips to ensure that your steak ale pie turns out perfectly every time.
1. Use the Best Quality Beef
The key to a great steak ale pie is to use the best quality beef you can find. Look for boneless round steak or braising steak at your local butcher or supermarket. The beef should be marbled with fat for flavor and tenderness.
2. Cut the Beef Into Bite-Sized Pieces
When preparing the beef for your pie, make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and that each bite is tender and juicy.
3. Slow Cook the Steak
To achieve a tender and flavorful filling, slow cook the beef before adding it to your pie. This can be done on the stove or in a slow cooker. Cooking the beef low and slow will allow it to absorb all of the flavors of the ale and other ingredients.
4. Don’t Skimp on Seasoning
Be generous with your seasoning when cooking your steak ale pie. Salt and pepper are essential, but don’t be afraid to add other herbs and spices such as thyme or bay leaves for an extra depth of flavor.
5. Let It Cool Before Serving
One of the biggest mistakes people make when baking pies is cutting them too soon after they come out of the oven. The filling needs time to cool and set before it can be served. For best results, let your steak ale pie cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing into it.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a delicious traditional British steak ale pie that will have your taste buds singing.
FAQ
Before we wrap things up, let’s take a moment to address some of the most frequently asked questions about this English Beef Steak Pie Recipe. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to British cuisine, there may be a few things you’re wondering about this recipe that we haven’t covered yet. So, let’s tackle some of those questions and clear up any confusion.
Which steak is best for steak pie?
For a delectable steak pie that has been slow-cooked to perfection, you can use cuts like chuck, silverside or any affordable braising beef from your local supermarket. No need to worry about the cost, as pricier meat cuts have no bearing on the quality of the pie.
How does Gordon Ramsay make steak pie?
For this recipe, you will need 1 and 2/3 pounds of lean braising beef, 2 bay leaves, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, 1 egg yolk, 1 pepper, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 17 and 2/3 ounces of shortcrust pastry and 17 and 1/2 ounces of Guinness.
What is a traditional meat pie served in Britain?
One of the most famous dishes in British cuisine is a steak pie. This meat pie is made by enclosing stewing steak and beef gravy inside a pastry shell. To add some variety, mixed vegetables may also be included in the filling. It is commonly served with “steak chips”, which are thickly sliced potatoes that are fried, sometimes in beef dripping.
What is the famous meat pie from England?
Shepherd’s pie is a quintessential British comfort food that’s beloved for its hearty and filling composition. Typically served in the form of a casserole, this dish is made from a flavorful blend of minced lamb or mutton meat mixed with onions, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, thick gravy, and a selection of herbs and spices including marjoram, parsley, and black pepper.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this English Beef Steak Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food that you will love. With its perfectly seasoned slow-cooked beef, onions, and mushrooms in a rich, savory gravy all tucked into a flaky pie crust, it’s no wonder that this recipe has become a traditional British staple. Whether it’s for dinner with family, a casual get-together with friends, or just a cozy night in by yourself, this steak ale pie will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
But don’t just take my word for it. Why not give this recipe a try and experience firsthand the amazing flavors and textures that it offers? Trust me; you won’t regret it! And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, feel free to customize this recipe by substituting some of the suggested ingredients with your own favorite choices.
So go ahead and indulge yourself with this authentic British Steak Ale Pie recipe today. And remember to share your culinary masterpiece with your loved ones because after all, food is about bringing people together, creating memories, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Cheers to good food and good company!
English Beef Steak Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless round steak, trimmed
- 4 -6 russet potatoes, pealed and cubed
- 1 large onion, sliced and separated
- 1/2 cup flour
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup water
- 1 pie crust (to cover top of pie)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
- In a deep glass baking dish (either round or square, Corning or glass), layer meat, potato and onion, sprinkling flour over each layer.
- Salt and pepper each layer. Pour water slowly over layers and top with rolled out crust. Roll edges of crust under around the edge and flute to seal edges to pan. Vent with knife several times.
- Bake at 350° F for about one hour until water bubbles and gravy have formed. Pierce with a cake tester through vents for doneness of potatoes.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.