English Steak and Mushroom Pie Recipe
This classic English Steak and Mushroom Pie features tender stewing beef and earthy Swiss brown mushrooms cooked in a rich beef gravy, all encased in a flaky homemade butter pastry. Perfectly balanced with savory flavors and a golden crust, this comforting pie is ideal for a hearty family meal or special occasion.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising and Baking
- Cuisine: English
- Diet: Halal
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, roughly chopped
- 1 kg gravy beef or stewing steak, trimmed of fat and cut into cubes (2¼ pounds)
- ¼ cup plain flour (all-purpose flour) (35g / 1oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 litre beef stock, plus extra if needed (4 cups)
- 400 g Swiss brown mushrooms (cremini/baby bella/chestnut), roughly chopped
For the Pastry
- 450 g plain flour (all-purpose flour) (1 pound)
- 225 g salted butter (8 oz), cold and diced
- 2 egg yolks
- 150 ml cool water (5 fl oz)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for brushing)
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large casserole pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent.
- Coat the Beef: In a bowl, combine the plain flour, salt, and black pepper, then toss the cubed beef in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to high, add the beef cubes to the pan with the onions, and cook until all sides are sealed and browned.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Pour enough beef stock into the pan to cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium and let it simmer covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 40 minutes.
- Reduce the Gravy: Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy. Add more stock or water if it becomes too thick; the liquid should reduce by about half.
- Add Mushrooms and Cool: Once the meat is tender, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then stir in the mushrooms. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
- Make the Pastry: In a food processor, pulse the flour and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolks and pulse just to combine.
- Add Water and Form Dough: With the processor running on low, slowly add the cool water until the dough begins to clump together.
- Chill the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pull it together with your hands. If warm, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced) / 400°F.
- Roll Out Base Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out half the dough to fit the base of a 24cm (9.5 inch) pie dish, about 3-4mm thick. Line the pie dish, allowing the pastry to overhang the edges slightly.
- Fill the Pie: Spoon the cooled meat and mushroom filling into the pastry-lined dish. Brush a little water around the edges of the overhanging pastry to help seal the top layer.
- Roll Out Top Pastry: Roll out the remaining pastry to cover the pie, again with a slight overhang. Place it over the filling and press the edges together firmly by pinching with fingers to seal well.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the top of the pie evenly with the beaten egg. Pierce four small holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly. Enjoy your hearty English Steak and Mushroom Pie!
Notes
- If the gravy becomes too thick during cooking, you can add additional beef stock or water to loosen it slightly.
- Making the pastry dough in a food processor keeps it light and flaky but can be made by hand for a rustic touch.
- Allow the filling to cool completely before adding it to the pastry to prevent sogginess.
- Use a sharp knife to make steam vents in the pie lid to avoid bursting.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven for best results.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy while simmering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 14 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0.3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 28 grams
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: English pie, steak pie, mushroom pie, savory pie, homemade pastry, comfort food, beef stew pie