Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Jamie Oliver-inspired steak pie recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Forget those soggy-bottomed disappointments; this recipe delivers a perfectly crisp crust filled with tender, rich steak in a luscious gravy. It's a celebration of homemade cooking at its finest, and it's easier than you think! This recipe is a great example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 lb beef steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (sirloin or chuck work well)
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pastry:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup ice water (plus more if needed)
Instructions:
Making the Filling:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.
- Make the gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and red wine (if using), stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes! This is where the magic of slow cooking happens, resulting in truly delicious dishes.
- Remove bay leaf: Before assembling the pie, remove the bay leaf.
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the rolled-out pastry to the pie dish. Pour the beef filling into the pastry-lined dish.
- Top with pastry: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or peas to the filling.
- Use puff pastry for an even flakier crust. This is a fantastic shortcut for those short on time!
- Leftovers make a fantastic lunch the next day!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on ingredients and portion size) Protein: High Fat: Moderate Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Jamie Oliver-inspired steak pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. It’s a fantastic recipe for showcasing your homemade cooking skills, and the result is a truly delicious and satisfying meal everyone will love. Enjoy!