Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie
Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals
I absolutely love making this Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie! Every bite transports me to a cozy kitchen where comfort food rules. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a flaky pastry is just heavenly. What I find particularly satisfying is the way the flavors meld together during slow cooking. It's a perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in. I've learned that letting the meat simmer with herbs really elevates the taste. You won’t want to miss out on this delicious recipe!
When I first attempted this pie, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients transformed into something so comforting. The robust flavor of the beef combined with the umami of mushrooms creates a rich filling that is simply irresistible. I recommend using a mix of button and cremini mushrooms for added depth, as this really enhances the dish.
One tip I swear by is letting the beef marinate in the broth before cooking; it makes the pie filling extraordinarily juicy. It’s a bit of a time investment, but trust me, the results will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and hearty filling that warms the soul
- Flaky and buttery pastry that perfectly complements the filling
- A family favorite that brings everyone together
Understanding the Filling
The filling is the heart of this Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie, and getting it right is essential. The beef chuck provides rich flavor and becomes incredibly tender through slow cooking. Be sure to season the dish well; the thyme and Worcestershire sauce not only add depth but also enhance the natural umami in the meat and mushrooms. Cook it long enough to allow the flavors to meld; a good simmer for about 30 minutes is ideal.
While sautéing the onions and garlic, aim for a translucent color rather than browning them excessively. This low-and-slow approach helps develop sweetness without bitterness. It's also important to allow the beef to brown well before adding the flour. This creates a nice crust on the meat, which adds additional flavor to your filling.
Mastering the Pastry
The pastry is just as crucial as the filling in achieving that classic pie experience. Using chilled butter ensures that the pastry remains flaky and tender rather than tough. When mixing, stop as soon as you achieve a crumbly texture with small pea-sized pieces of butter visible. This is key for creating a light, airy crust that will contrast beautifully with the rich filling.
If you find your dough too sticky, adjust by adding a little extra flour while rolling it out. Conversely, if it's crumbly, a few drops of cold water can help bind it together. When rolling, aim for an even thickness of about ¼ inch. This will allow the pastry to cook through without becoming overly browned while your filling finishes cooking.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for the perfect Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie:
Filling
- 500g beef chuck, diced
- 300g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Pastry
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, chilled and diced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cold water as needed
- 1 pinch of salt
Ensure you have everything you need ready for a hassle-free cooking experience!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie:
Prepare the Filling
In a large pan, cook the onion and garlic until softened. Add the beef and cook until browned. Stir in the flour, then add mushrooms, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.
Make the Pastry
In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg and add cold water until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the pastry and fit it into a pie dish. Fill it with the beef mixture, then roll out the remaining pastry to make a lid. Seal and cut vents for steam.
Bake
Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting pie with a side salad or some seasonal vegetables!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the beef filling. It pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and beef, creating an unforgettable dish.
Make-Ahead Options
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the filling and pastry separately, storing them in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble the pie and follow the baking instructions. This allows the flavors to further develop, making your pie even more delicious when it's finally served.
If you want to freeze the pie before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, bake it directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
A Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I often serve it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pie. For heartier fare, mashed potatoes or buttery steamed vegetables work beautifully to soak up any extra gravy.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider serving the pie with a dollop of horseradish cream or a tangy tomato chutney on the side. These condiments add a lovely contrast to the savory filling and enhance the overall dining experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and the pastry a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
→ What can I serve with the pie?
Mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes for this pie.
→ Can I freeze the pie?
Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer. You can freeze it before or after baking.
→ What can I substitute for beef?
You can use ground turkey or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie
I absolutely love making this Classic Beef and Mushroom Pie! Every bite transports me to a cozy kitchen where comfort food rules. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a flaky pastry is just heavenly. What I find particularly satisfying is the way the flavors meld together during slow cooking. It's a perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in. I've learned that letting the meat simmer with herbs really elevates the taste. You won’t want to miss out on this delicious recipe!
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Cozy Comfort Meals
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Filling
- 500g beef chuck, diced
- 300g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Pastry
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, chilled and diced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cold water as needed
- 1 pinch of salt
How-To Steps
In a large pan, cook the onion and garlic until softened. Add the beef and cook until browned. Stir in the flour, then add mushrooms, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.
In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg and add cold water until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the pastry and fit it into a pie dish. Fill it with the beef mixture, then roll out the remaining pastry to make a lid. Seal and cut vents for steam.
Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the beef filling. It pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and beef, creating an unforgettable dish.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 22g