Minced Beef Pie

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven

   1 min

   Set your oven temperature to 200°C (400°F or Gas Mark 6) and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden pastry when you bake your pie.

2. 2

   Brown the Minced Beef

   6 min

   In a deep frying pan, pour in vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes, using a spatula to break it apart as it browns evenly.

3. 3

   Sauté Onions

   4 min

   Add the chopped onion to the browned beef in the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and softened, then mix in tomato purée and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. 4

   Add Flour and Mushrooms

   5 min

   Sprinkle plain flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Next, add the chopped mushrooms, beef stock, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. 5

   Simmer the Filling

   1 min

   Lower the heat and cover the pan to let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen. After simmering, set the filling aside to cool slightly before transferring it to a 1-liter pie dish.

6. 6

   Prepare the Pastry

   8 min

   On a floured work surface, roll out the shortcrust pastry until it is slightly larger than your pie dish. Carefully drape the pastry over the dish, pressing it into the edges with your fingers, then trim any excess and flute the edges for a decorative touch.

7. 7

   Decorate the Pie

   5 min

   Use the pastry scraps to cut out decorative leaf shapes. Place these on top of the pie filling, securing them with the beaten egg yolk to create an appealing presentation.

8. 8

   Vent the Pastry

   4 min

   Create 3-4 slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the entire surface of the pie with the remaining beaten egg yolk to achieve a beautiful, glossy finish.

9. 9

   Bake the Pie

   29 min

   Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t over-bake.

10. 10

    Serve the Pie

    1 min

    Once the pie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into wedges. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

FAQ