Can't beat a homemade, Steak and Mushroom Ale Pie. Follow along with our recipe where we show you how to make a proper pie with puff pastry on the top and bottom, otherwise known as a double crust pie.
The best British pub-style Steak, mushroom and ale pie you will ever cook, with melt in the mouth beef and vegetables. The perfect dinner to impress, UK and US measurements are given.
How to make Steak and Ale Pie?
We take you through every step of making this delicious steak ale and mushroom pie.
See the slideshow video below
Of course, you can go straight to the recipe card to start straight away.
Jump to RecipeOr continue to read through the tips and tricks in this blog post for making this classic pub grub.
What mushrooms to use in Steak and Ale Pie?
We love mushrooms, but can't be too picky with what mushrooms we use as it depends on the season.
So we always use a mix of what we can find. This time we used chestnut mushrooms and oyster mushrooms.
But you can use other varieties we have used shimeji, Chanterelles and button mushrooms before. It is best to do a mixture of different mushrooms for different textures.
What cut of beef is best for pies?
We used some delicious Scottish diced beef from the butchers, just look at the beautiful cherry red colour in that meat.
You can use stewing steak, braising steak or a nice chunk of silverside, you don't need to use expensive meat for making a good Steak and Ale Pie.
Where it is cooked slowly it will make the meat lovely and tender.
What is the best ale to use for steak and ale pie?
We really enjoy the subtlety sweet, yet bitter taste from Doom Bar Ale. It is Luke's favourite Ale.
Of course, if you have a different favourite ale just switch it for any ale you prefer!
How long to cook steak and mushroom pie filling before putting in pastry?
Cook the pie filling covered in the oven for 2 hours. The ale and stock will soak into the mushroom and beef, leaving you with melt in the mouth meat.
Don't be tempted to add more stock you don't want too much moisture as it will make the base of the pie soggy!
What pastry to use for a meat pie?
This is a personal preference, we use puff pastry for the lovely rich buttery flavour, not to mention the flaky top to the lid of the pie.
Can I use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry?
Yes, you can use a shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry, some people prefer the crumbly texture yet sturdier pie structure that shortcrust gives.
Or, if you want to get really technical about it. Why not mix it up and use shortcrust for a nice strong base on the bottom (blind bake for best results) and puff pastry on the top, for the rich flaky layered lid.
What is a double-crust pie?
A double crust pie is a pie which has a base and a lid. In our opinion, a Steak and ale pie should always have a bottom and a top to be classed as a proper pie!
How to roll puff pastry for pie?
You can use ready-rolled puff pastry or a block of puff pastry or if you are feeling really confident make your own puff pastry! You will need a couple of packets.
In this case we use 2 pre rolled packs of puff pastry.
However, the lid doesn't use a whole sheet and the base needs extra as we had to re-roll the leftovers of the top sheet to make the base bigger.
For the top simply cut around the outside of the pie dish as seen below left.
As illustrated by above picture on the right, roll out the next sheet larger than the pie case.
Make sure to grease the pie tin before placing the pastry inside.
How thick should pastry be rolled for pie crust?
Ours was about 4mm thick once rolled out.
Once your pie top and bottom crust is ready keep it in the fridge until needed.
How to prevent a soggy based Steak and Ale Pie?
Here are a few tips to help you prevent a soggy based pie.
Firstly, make sure the filling is thick with not to much liquid.
Allow pie filling to cool down a little before adding to the base.
We are not too fussy on this matter, as the above two tips are enough, but if you want to put the extra effort in.
Then, try using shortcrust pastry for the base & blind bake the bottom pastry first. We don't do this, but others think it makes a sturdier crispy base)
How to join a top and bottom pie crust aka crimping?
So you have got the pie filled, all thats left to do is join the top and bottom crust together!
Make sure you score the pie crust lightly before placing it on top.
Next, egg wash the bottom pastry sheet all around the rim of the pie dish and place the scored lid on top.
Trim away any some of the excess pastry, don't worry about being too neat here.
Lift and fold the overhanging pastry a couple of fingers at a time, folding over as you go.
How long to bake Steak, Mushroom and Ale Pie for?
Bake at 180ยฐC for 40 minutes. The pie will come out perfectly flaky and golden!
How to cut perfect slices of Steak and Ale pie?
So, if you are serving up to your family, who cares simply serve straight away!
However, to prevent your pie turning to a soggy mess when cut, allow it to cool down a little before serving.
Simply allowing time for the pie filling to cool about 30-40 minutes. Will certainly prevent the top crust collapsing and the filling spilling all over the plate.
What to serve with Steak and Ale Pie?
Try serving your pie with our Creamy Mashed Potato, peas and a generous splash of our Onion Gravy
Or, try serving with Spicy Potato Wedges, Broccoli & Carrots?
How to store leftover Steak & Ale pie?
If you have any pie leftover, you can cover with foil and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to reheat Steak & Ale Pie in oven or microwave?
Preheat the oven to 180ยฐC/ 350ยฐF and keep the top of pie covered with foil. Depending on how much pie is left it will take between 25-40 minutes to reheat.
A quicker way is to microwave a slice at a time per person until piping hot.
๐ Step by Step Recipe
Steak and Mushroom Ale Pie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 Large Shallots - finely chopped (can use onions)
- 350 g (3 cups) Mushrooms - A mix is best we used 250g chopped Chestnut and 100g Oyster
- 2 Carrots - finely chopped
- 500 g (1.1lb) Diced Beef / Stewing/Braising Steak - Cubed
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Puree - or 6 cloves of crushed garlic
- 1 tablespoon Sundried Tomato Puree - or 2 tablespoon regular Tomato Puree
- 1 tablespoon Sherry or Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Plain Flour
- 300 ml (1ยผ cup) Beef Stock - made from 2 stock cubes
- 350 ml (1 ยฝ cup) Doom Bar Ale - Or your chosen brand of Ale
- 2 Sprig of Rosemary
- 2 Sprig of Thyme
- 2 Bay leaves
- ยฝ tablespoon Butter - for greasing the pie dish
- 2 packets Ready Rolled Puff pastry - (can use shortcrust pastry if preferred)
- 1 Egg - beaten for egg wash
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven at 180ยฐC Fan /200ยฐC/ 400ยฐ F Gas mark 6 Place the chopped shallots into a frying pan with some olive oil and cook until softened and golden3 Large Shallots, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Add the garlic, tomato puree, mushrooms, carrots and diced beef. Stir to mix.The beef does not need to be cooked through at this point ( it will finish cooking in the oven)350 g (3 cups) Mushrooms, 2 Carrots, 1 tablespoon Garlic Puree, 1 tablespoon Sundried Tomato Puree, 500 g (1.1lb) Diced Beef / Stewing/Braising Steak
- Add sherry/balsamic vinegar followed by stock.1 tablespoon Sherry or Balsamic vinegar, 300 ml (1ยผ cup) Beef Stock
- Add doom bar or your chosen ale.350 ml (1 ยฝ cup) Doom Bar Ale
- Mix 1 tablespoon of flour into a paste with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Add the flour slurry to the pie mixture.1 tablespoon Plain Flour
- Finally add herbs and bay leaves. Put lid on casserole dish, (or tightly cover with foil) place in the oven at 190ยฐC/375ยฐF and cook for 2 hrs.2 Sprig of Rosemary, 2 Sprig of Thyme, 2 Bay leaves
- Roll out one of the puff pastry ready rolled sheets and use the pie dish (ours has a 25cm/10inch circumference) to cut around. This will be the lid of the pie.2 packets Ready Rolled Puff pastry
- Use the left over pastry from the first sheet to add to the second sheet for the pie base.Roll out until big enough to line your pie dish with an overhang.
- Grease the pie dish with butter.ยฝ tablespoon Butter
- Gently push the pastry into the pie dish.
- Lightly score a diamond pattern on the lid and store the lid and base separately in the fridge until the pie filling is ready.
- Once finished cooking, allow the pie filling to cool a little. Allowing any liquid that may be left to soak into the steak and mushrooms.
- Spoon the filling mixture into the pie dish.
- Beat the egg together and use around the pastry hanging on the rim of the pie dish1 Egg
- Add the pie lid and gently egg wash over the top.
- Trim away any excess pastry and lift and fold the overhanging pastry a couple of fingers at a time, folding as you go. All the way around.
- Brush the folds with more egg and then place in the oven at 180ยฐC Fan /200ยฐC/ 400ยฐ F Gas mark 6 for 40 mins.
- Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Steak and Ale Pie can be served any day of the week, in this case, it was a Sunday dinner for the family.
Such a huge achievement when you hear family saying they don't want the meal to end!
Cheat ingredients we used in this recipe!
A few cheat products used to help speed up this already speedy recipe, all available from UK supermarkets!
Gia Garlic Puree - Garlic ready crushed to put into your recipe, 1tsp is equal to 2 garlic cloves. No more stinky fingers, we use it in most recipes that call for crushed garlic!
Gia Sundried Tomato Puree- Sundried Tomato's in Oil with herbs and spices pureed down to a thick paste, fantastic to add extra richness to any dishes that call for Tomato Puree.
However, you will only need half the amount in comparison to plain Tomato Puree.
More information about the Gia Range of products.
More Beef Recipes
If you like our this beef recipe why out try out some off these meaty meals.
Kathy says
This looks amazing! Can the meat filling be made ahead and frozen?
Luke and Kay says
Thank you, Kathy! ๐ So glad you like the look of our Steak and Mushroom Pie! Yes, you can absolutely make the meat filling ahead of time and freeze it. Just let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat and continue with the pie assembly as usual. Itโs a great way to save time for when you want a quick and delicious meal! ๐ฅงโจ
John Davis says
Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect. Smelled great cooking and tasted wonderful. My new go to comfort food. Well done
John
Luke and Kay says
John, thank you for your wonderful review! We are so delighted to hear that our steak and mushroom ale pie recipe was a hit with you and is now your go-to comfort food. Comforting our customers is what we strive to do with all our recipes, so it's gratifying to learn we've succeeded in that mission. ๐
Claire says
Can the meat filling be cooked in a slow cooker and then later cooked in the oven with the puff pastry?
Luke and Kay says
Hi Claire
There is no reason why you couldn't do that, let us know how it goes?
Enjoy the steak and mushroom pie recipe ๐
James says
Made this tonight and was simply amazing! Excellent recipe, couple of tweeks. Used red wine instead of sherry and used Newcastle Brown Ale instead of Doom. First time making a pie and you can't go wrong if you follow instructions. Thank you for this recipe ๐
Kay says
James, thank you for your kind words about our steak and mushroom ale pie recipe! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that you found the recipe easy to follow. We love hearing from happy cooks like yourself who have had great success with our recipes. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! ๐
James says
Hi Kay, thanks for your lovely reply. Making this for a second time, family couldn't get enough and my uncle who is a chef advised it was simply delicious
Kay says
Hi James,
I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the steak and mushroom ale pie recipe! It's definitely a family favourite around here. I'm happy to hear that your uncle, a chef, enjoys it too. Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
Thanks for choosing to cook with us,
Kay
Mrs Sonya Phelvin says
My husband loved it and will definitely be making it again. Thank you.
Luke says
Thank you so much; we are really pleased you all liked our steak and mushroom ale pie, this is Lukes favourite ๐
Proper comfort food ๐
Joy says
Cooked this but left the garlic out as prefer. An amazing success. The only down side was the smell wafting from the kitchen making us hungry before cooked. Have tried Steak & Ale pie before and couldn't taste the Ale when cooked. This left no doubt of the Ale content and we would have been pleased to have been served this at any Pub/Restaurant. Reheated half the following day, and this worked well, just covered the top with foil to prevent burning. Intend to remake with our favourite St Austell Tribune Ale next time.
Kay says
Hi Joy
Thank you so much for that fantastic comment, that really put a big smile on our faces ๐
Really glad you liked the steak and ale pie recipe, and please let us know how it goes with the St Austell ale, I will have to give that a try next time we make this recipe?
Joy says
Made today with St Austell, Tribute (not Tribune, sorry for earlier typo). Tasted nice, more milder taste of Ale than Doom Bar. 8 Year old Grandson had a small amount to try and liked. Having tried both Ales, for flavour intensity Doom Bar tops easily. So for adults I would use this, also the meat was extra tender.
Kay says
Hi Joy
Thank you for the feedback on cooking the pie with St Austell tribute ale ๐
Nice to hear you made the steak and ale pie again and still enjoying it with the family
The Doom bar ale does give the pie so much great flavour, its morish LOL
Andrea says
Wow does this meat and mushrooms mixture sound amazing!! Then you make it into a pie. Fabulous!
Kay says
Thank you so much Andrea for your kind words, enjoy the pie ๐
rika says
This pie looks so delicious! I love mushroom. I think it makes a great pie filling!
Kay says
Hi Rika
Thanks for your comment ๐
You can't beat a steak and ale pie and your right mushrooms are a great filling!
Enjoy
Beth says
We loved this pie! All of the crispy buttery dough is the perfect accompaniment for the savory steak and shrooms!
Kay says
Hi Beth
Thanks for the rating and comment ๐
You can't beat a good crispy puff pastry lid, it just finishes off a great pie!!
Enjoy
Shanna says
This was a delicious and hearty meal that my entire family loved.
Kay says
Hi Shanna
Thanks for the comment and rating ๐
That's very true, this pie is a great hearty family meal, it goes down a treat in our house lol
Enjoy
Julia says
This is a fantastic steak pie! My whole family is asking for more! Thank you for sharing!
Kay says
Hi Julia
Thanks for the comment, so glad your family liked the pie ๐
Enjoy!
Karen says
Hello from Canada! This pie looks amazing. I love the pie plate you are using. Looks much deeper than what we can find over here.
Will make this for hubbies birthday on the 21st.
Have to try make it special without friends or family in this era of covid. Thanks
Luke says
Hi Karen
Thank you for the comment, I hope you enjoy the pie and you all have a great time eating it on your husbands birthday:)
Let us know what you think?
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I love meat pies and this just looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing this recipe of yours.
Kay says
Hi Peachy
Thank you for your comment
Hope you enjoy this recipe:)