There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade beef pie. Whether you’re craving a satisfying family dinner or preparing for a cozy weekend meal, a freshly baked beef pie never disappoints. It’s the perfect balance of tender beef, vegetables, and a rich, flavourful gravy, all wrapped in a crisp, flaky pastry.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to make a beef pie recipe from scratch. We’ll walk you through each step, from selecting the right cut of beef to achieving the perfect pastry. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, you’ll find everything you need to make a pie that’s both delicious and comforting.
For the best results, choose premium grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef. Their high-quality beef will take your beef pie to the next level, adding exceptional flavour and tenderness to the dish. Let’s get started!
What Makes a Great Beef Pie?
Before we jump into the recipe, it’s helpful to understand what makes a beef pie truly great. A fantastic beef pie isn’t just about having the right ingredients; it’s about creating a balanced, flavour-packed filling with the perfect pastry. Here’s what to focus on:
The Filling:
- Tender beef: The beef should be tender and juicy, not tough or dry. The cooking method and choice of beef cut are key to achieving this.
- Rich gravy: A thick, flavourful gravy is essential to complement the beef. It should be hearty without being too runny.
- Vegetables: Traditional beef pies often feature carrots, peas, onions, and potatoes, adding flavour and texture to the filling.
- Seasoning: The right balance of herbs and spices will elevate the beef, ensuring that the pie is full of depth.
The Pastry:
- Flaky and golden: The pastry should be crisp, golden, and not too thick. The right texture allows for a contrast to the rich filling inside.
- Evenly cooked: Achieving the perfect balance of crispy on the outside while soft on the inside is key to a great pie.
Ingredients for Beef Pie
Now that you know what makes a beef pie great, let’s get into the ingredients. This recipe calls for classic, simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal. Below are the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Beef Pie Filling:
- 500g grass-fed beef (chuck or stewing beef) – Cut into small cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the gravy)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced and pre-cooked (optional for extra heartiness)
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the top of the pastry)
This recipe uses premium, grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef, ensuring your pie has the best possible flavour and tenderness. Grass-fed beef makes all the difference, providing a richer taste and a more satisfying texture in the filling.
How to Make Beef Pie: Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s go through the steps for making the perfect beef pie.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are evenly browned on all sides. This process adds depth of flavour to the filling, so take your time and avoid overcrowding the pot.
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and carrots, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step helps release the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a flavourful base for the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Return the browned beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
Once the beef is cooked and tender, add the frozen peas and pre-cooked potatoes (if using). Mix well.
To thicken the gravy, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the filling. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a bit more beef stock to loosen it.
Step 4: Prepare the Pastry
While the beef filling is simmering, prepare your pastry. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. If using a pie dish, ensure the pastry is large enough to cover the top and sides of the dish.
Cut the pastry sheet to fit the top of your pie dish, and make sure you have enough to line the sides of the dish. If you want a double-crust pie, you will need a second sheet of pastry.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan-forced).
Once the beef filling is ready and thickened, pour it into your pie dish, spreading it out evenly. Carefully place the top pastry sheet over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing down with your fingers or a fork.
Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Check the pie after 20 minutes and cover the edges with foil if they begin to brown too quickly.
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade beef pie with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. The pie’s rich beef filling and crispy pastry are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Tips for the Best Beef Pie
To make your beef pie recipe even better, here are some tips:
- Use quality beef: The quality of beef in your pie makes a big difference. Choose grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef for the best flavour and tenderness.
- Slow-cook the beef: For an even more tender filling, slow-cook the beef for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Customise your filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas to suit your tastes.
- Make your own pastry: If you have time, homemade puff pastry can take your pie to the next level, but store-bought pastry is perfectly fine for a quicker meal.
- Rest the pie: Let the pie rest for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from running out.
Why Choose Grass-Fed Beef for Your Beef Pie?
The cut of beef you use in your pie can significantly affect its flavour and texture. Grass-fed beef offers a more robust flavour and a leaner texture than grain-fed beef, making it perfect for slow-cooked recipes like this one.
When you use Gingin Beef, you’re getting premium, ethically sourced grass-fed beef that adds exceptional flavour to your pie. Their beef is tender, juicy, and full of nutrients, ensuring your pie is both delicious and nutritious.
Visit Gingin Beef to find the perfect beef for your next pie. Their grass-fed beef is ideal for making the best beef pie every time.
Conclusion
Making a homemade beef pie is a rewarding experience. With tender beef, rich gravy, and a golden, flaky pastry, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a beef pie that’s sure to impress.
For the best beef, choose premium, grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef. Their beef is perfect for this recipe, providing exceptional flavour and tenderness. To order high-quality beef for your next beef pie, visit Gingin Beef and check their contact page for more details.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of beef for the pie?
Yes, cuts like sirloin or round can be used, but chuck or stewing beef is ideal for a tender, flavourful filling.
- Can I freeze beef pie?
Yes, beef pies can be frozen before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
- How can I make the gravy thicker?
If the gravy is too runny, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce, then simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- What can I serve with beef pie?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad are great side dishes that complement the pie.
- Can I make the pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and pastry a day ahead. Assemble the pie and bake it on the day you plan to serve it.