Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies

Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies Recipe - Traditional British Dish

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 17 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. These individual pies are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and peas, all cooked in a rich beef broth and steak sauce. Topped with a flaky puff pastry crust, these pies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Pub pies have been a popular dish in British pubs for centuries. Originally, these pies were made with leftover meat and vegetables, encased in a pastry crust. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a wider variety of fillings, including the classic meat and mushroom combination. Today, pub pies are enjoyed all over the world as a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

0.5 frozen puff pastry sheet (one-fourth of a 17.25 oz, 525 g, package), defrosted
1 lb (480 g) ground beef sirloin
6 oz (180 g) mushrooms, sliced
1.5 cup frozen chopped onion
2 tsp (10 ml) crushed dried thyme
2 tbsp (18 g) all-purpose flour
1.5 cup (360 ml) fat-free low-sodium canned beef broth
1 tbsp (15 ml) bottled steak sauce
0.5 cup (72 g) frozen peas, rinsed with cold water and drained

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), gas mark 8.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to a 6-inch (15 cm) square.
Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into twelve 0.5-inch strips.
In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef, mushrooms, and onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the mixture with thyme and flour.
Add the beef broth and steak sauce; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
Stir in the peas.
Spoon the mixture into individual casserole dishes about 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter.
Arrange two pastry strips in a wide 'x' shape over each casserole.
Place a third strip across the center.
Press the overhangs firmly to the sides of the casseroles to seal.
Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, about 12 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add diced carrots or celery to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Top the pies with mashed potatoes instead of puff pastry for a twist on traditional shepherd's pie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to defrost the puff pastry before using it in this recipe. This will ensure that the pastry bakes up light and flaky.

- Browning the beef, mushrooms, and onions before adding the other ingredients will help to develop a rich flavor in the filling.

- Pressing the pastry strips firmly to the sides of the casserole dishes will help to create a tight seal and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the puff pastry and cutting it into strips helps to create a decorative lattice crust for the pies.

- Browning the meat and vegetables before adding the other ingredients helps to develop a rich flavor in the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme for a more intense flavor.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies in individual casserole dishes for a rustic and charming presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies with a pint of your favorite beer for a classic pub meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (in the puff pastry) and soy (in the steak sauce).

Summary

Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a savory filling of ground beef, mushrooms, and onions, all topped with a flaky puff pastry crust, these pies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter's day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies caught my eye. The combination of hearty meat, savory mushrooms, and flaky pastry crust seemed like the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

I had always loved cooking, and I had learned many recipes from my grandmother and mother over the years. But this recipe was different. It was something new and exciting, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I decided to make the pies for dinner that night. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – ground beef, mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, and a few spices – and set to work in the kitchen.

I started by browning the ground beef in a skillet, along with the diced onions and minced garlic. The smell of sizzling meat and onions filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I added the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and let them cook until they were soft and golden brown. The earthy aroma of the mushrooms mingled with the savory beef, creating a tantalizing scent that made my stomach rumble with hunger.

I then poured in the beef broth, along with a sprinkle of thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper. I let the mixture simmer and thicken, allowing the flavors to meld and develop into a rich, hearty filling for the pies.

While the filling simmered, I prepared the pastry crust. I rolled out the dough and cut it into circles, then filled each circle with a generous spoonful of the meat and mushroom mixture. I sealed the pies with a crimped edge and brushed the tops with beaten egg, giving them a golden sheen once baked.

As I slid the pies into the oven, the warm, comforting smell of baking pastry filled the kitchen, mingling with the savory aroma of the meat and mushrooms. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the pies were done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The golden crust was flaky and crisp, the filling rich and savory. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

My family gathered around the table, eager to taste the Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies. Their eyes lit up as they bit into the pies, savoring the warm, comforting taste of home-cooked goodness.

As we enjoyed our meal together, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in our household. The Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies had captured our hearts and taste buds, and I was proud to have learned how to make them.

From that day on, the recipe for Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies became a cherished part of my cooking repertoire. I shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of delicious, comforting food that brings people together.

And as I look back on that cold winter's day when I first discovered the recipe, I am grateful for the joy and warmth it has brought into our home. Cooking is more than just a task – it is a way to connect with loved ones, to create memories, and to savor the simple pleasures of a good meal shared with those we care about.