Minced Beef Pie

Story behind the dish

Imagine a cozy Sunday afternoon, the scent of rich, savory beef filling mingling with the crisp aroma of baked pastry. Minced beef pie is a comforting classic that tells a story of hearty flavors and family storytelling, often passed down through generations. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and invites good conversation around the dinner table.

This particular recipe transforms simple humble ingredients into a golden, flaky masterpiece, perfect for sharing. Whether you’re celebrating a family gathering or simply craving comfort food, this pie offers a satisfying, flavorful experience every time.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound (16 oz) minced beef
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 1 ½ tablespoons plain flour
• 2.5 oz (75 g) mushrooms
• 8.5 oz (250 ml) beef stock
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce
• 14 oz (400 g) shortcrust pastry
• 1 egg yolk

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C / Gas Mark 6).
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.
3. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens slightly.
4. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
5. Sprinkle in the plain flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring well.
6. Add the chopped mushrooms, beef stock, and a couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the meat mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer it into a 1-liter (about 4-cup) pie dish.
9. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface until slightly larger than your pie dish. Gently drape the pastry over the dish, pressing the edges firmly onto the sides.
10. Trim off any excess pastry and shape the edges into a decorative fluted pattern.
11. Use leftover pastry to cut leaf shapes, which will serve as charming decorations on top of the pie. Attach them using a little beaten egg yolk.
12. Make 3-4 small slits in the pastry top to allow steam to escape.
13. Brush the entire top with the remaining beaten egg yolk.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden-brown and crisp.
15. Let the pie cool slightly before slicing into wedges to serve.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of red wine or a dash of thyme to the meat mixture before simmering.
• Serve this hearty pie with a side of steamed greens or a fresh, crisp salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Closing thoughts

Baking a minced beef pie is like wrapping a warm hug inside a flaky crust — comfort food at its finest. This recipe invites you to enjoy a blend of tender beef, flavorful mushrooms, and a touch of decoration that makes each slice special. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weekend or shared around the table, this pie promises hearty satisfaction and warm memories.