There's something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm, flaky steak bake. It's like the whole world just stops for a moment, and all you can think about is the savoury, meaty filling and the buttery pastry that encases it.
That's why we're excited to share with you a recipe that's near and dear to our hearts - our very own Steak Bake Recipe, which we (and our teenage kids) think beats the iconic Greggs steak bake! We also have a own recipe for Greggs Cheese and Bacon Wrap
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This recipe is the outcome of many family dinners, a few tweaks here and there. We've found it to be the perfect snack, lunch, or dinner option, ideal for cosy nights in or as a delicious treat for picnics. Plus, it's been a hit at parties when made into smaller, bite-sized versions.
Equipment
Here's a quick look at the kitchen equipment you'll need to whip up these fantastic steak bakes.
Ingredients
Let's discuss the ingredients you'll need for this super tasty steak bake!
Steak Filling
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 800 g Stewing Steak
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar optional
- 2 Sprigs Thyme optional
- Black Pepper
- 900 ml Hot Water
- 2 tablespoon Gravy Granules
Pastry
- 1 Egg
- 1 splash Milk
- 2 x 320g pack Ready Rolled Puff Pastry Sheet
Optional Extras
A splash of red wine will give something special to the gravy or try chopping up mushrooms for an extra hearty filling.
My favourite is adding cheese on top of the steak filling before the puff pastry. Our kids prefer cheddar, but I love blue cheese's strong flavour. Use your favourite cheese to customize the recipe.
Steak
We chose stewing steak for the filling of this steak bake recipe because it's more affordable and perfect for slow cooking. You might find this type of meat labeled as braising steak, stewing steak, slow-cooking beef, or simply diced beef in stores.
These cuts benefit greatly from the slow cooking process, becoming wonderfully tender and flavorful.
However, if you're short on time and looking for a quicker option, you can opt for a more expensive cut of steak that requires less cooking time, simply pan fry then add to the gravy.
This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to fit your schedule and budget, ensuring delicious results every time.
Puff Pastry
For our recipe, we use pre-rolled puff pastry from Lidl (or other supermarket brands) because it tends to be larger than the Jus Rol brand. This gives us larger pastry rectangles for a generous steak filling per slice.
If you prefer getting your hands a bit more involved, buying the non-rolled block of puff pastry is another great option. It rolls out larger as well, which is perfect for those who like their steak bakes larger.
Here is the full recipe card for how to make Steak Bakes. We will go into some more details below too.
📖 Step by Step Recipe
Steak Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
Steak Filling
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 800 g Stewing Steak
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar - optional
- 2 Sprigs Thyme - optional
- Black Pepper
- 900 ml Hot Water
- 2 tablespoon Gravy Granules
Pastry
- 1 Egg
- 1 splash Milk
- 2 x 320g pack Ready Rolled Puff Pastry Sheet
Instructions
- Cut 800 g Stewing Steak into small cubes
- Finely dice 1 small Onion and 4 cloves Garlic
- In a large pan heat 1 tablespoon Olive Oil and add onions, cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add beef and garlic into the pan stir in until meat has browned
- Add 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar ( or a splash of red wine). Make a thin gravy using 2 tablespoon Gravy Granules and 900 ml Hot Water. (It will thicken and reduce during cooking.)
- Season with 2 Sprigs Thyme and Black Pepper
- Cook on the hob uncovered for 2 hours on a low heat/ simmer, stirring every 15 mins. Towards the end of the 2 hours you may need to stir more often as the gravy thickens. *If it gets too thick add 50ml more hot water to make more sauce.*If it is too thin add 1 teaspoon at a time of gravy granules to thicken the sauce.
- Remove from the hob, give a good stir and allow to cool before adding it to the pastry. (this prevents the pastry from going soggy)
Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ fan / 220℃ / 425℉ Gas mark 7Roll out 2 x 320g pack Ready Rolled Puff Pastry Sheet divide each sheet into 8 equal size rectangles. (16 in total, 8 bases and 8 tops)
- Our sheet measured 25cm x 44cm. So we cut sheet in half 2 x 12.5cm. Then measured 4 x 11cm across.You may need to adjust measurements to suit the size of your pastry sheet.
- Score a diagonal line into the 8 top sheets of pastry only. This gives it that classic greggs steak bake look.
- Cut parchment paper into larger pieces than the pastry.
- Place the pastry onto their own piece of parchment paper each.
- If you cut the pastry before the meat has cooled transfer all pastry sheets to the fridge to keep firm until the meat has cooled.
- Whisk 1 Egg with 1 splash Milk
- Place the 8 bases (the ones not scored) with the parchment paper on 2 baking sheets.
- Add 2-3 tablespoon of cooled steak filling, keeping at least a 1 cm edging spare ready to seal
- Use a pastry brush to eggwash the exposed edge of the pastry
- Add cheese if desired.
- Place the scored pastry tops on.
- Use a fork to seal all the edges.
- Now egg wash the top of all the steak bakes.
- Cook in the preheated 200℃ fan / 220℃ / 425℉ Gas mark 7 oven for 20 - 25 minutes.
- They are ready when they have puffed up with a deep golden brown colour.
- Best served whilst still hot!
- Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
How to Make Steak Bakes
Now, with all our ingredients ready and equipment at hand, let's jump into the simple steps to create these delicious steak bakes that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
See the ingredients list on the recipe card for measurements.
Make the Filling
Begin by cutting the stewing steak into small chunks.
Ensuring they're just the right size for a hearty mouthful.
Finely dice the onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe casserole dish over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Toss in the beef and garlic, stirring until the meat has browned.
Add a splash of red wine vinegar (or red wine) and a thin gravy, seasoning with thyme and black pepper for that extra punch of flavour.
Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours. Adding more water or gravy granules at the end to achieve a rich gravy for the steak bake.
Once done, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Before adding to the pastry sheets.
Prepare Pastry
Roll out the 2 puff pastry sheets. Use a sharp knife to cut each sheet into eight even-sized rectangles for the bases and another 8 for the tops.
Measure the whole pasty sheet then divide the shorter edge by 2 and the longer edge by 4.
Place the bases on a piece of parchment sheet each.
Use a sharp knife to give the tops a little score for that classic Greggs Steak Bake look.
If the meat filling is still hot it is best to store all the pastry sheets in the fridge to firm up.
Assembling Steak Slice
Once the meat has cooled. Preheat your oven to 200℃ fan / 220℃ / 425℉/ Gas mark 7. Place the 8 base sheets (on parchment paper) on 2 baking trays.
Spoon the cooled steak filling onto the pastry bases leaving a space around the edges to seal the tops on.
Whisk egg and milk together in a small bowl and brush the exposed pastry with this egg wash.
Cover with the top sheets, pressing the edges with a fork to seal. (if it is sticking try wetting the fork every now and then)
Give one last egg wash over the top.
Cooking Time
Bake in your preheated oven 200℃ fan / 220℃ / 425℉/ Gas mark 7 until deep golden brown and puffed up, about 20-25 minutes.
What emerges is a masterpiece of flaky pastry and a rich, savoury beef filling that's sure to bring a smile to your face.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you're looking for a cosy lunch, a delightful addition to a picnic, or a hearty dinner, our steak bake fits perfectly into any meal plan. Here's how you can serve it up for different occasions:
Lunch
For a satisfying lunch, pair a warm steak bake with a Tomato and Mozzarella Salad. It's a simple yet fulfilling combination that balances the richness of the steak bake. If you're in a hurry, the steak bake alone makes for a great grab-and-go option that's both filling and delicious.
Picnic
Steak bakes are fantastic for picnics! Cut the pastry into smaller pieces for easy sharing. They pair wonderfully with a selection of finger foods - think cheese and crackers, and some fresh fruit for a balanced outdoor feast. They can be enjoyed cold or pack them in an insulated container to keep them warm.
Dinner
Transform dinner into a special occasion by serving a steak bake as the main dish. Accompany it with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a classic, comforting meal. Our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries go perfectly with the rich, meaty flavours of the steak bake.
How to Store Steak Bake
Steak bakes can be stored in the fridge once they've cooled down. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container or wrap them securely in cling film or foil.
This way, they're ready to enjoy again whenever you fancy a tasty snack or meal. Just make sure to consume them within a few days for the best quality and taste.
Freezing
Our steak bakes freeze beautifully. Simply allow them to cool completely before wrapping them individually and freezing them. They're perfect for pulling out on a busy day or when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your steak bake after storing, you have a couple of options for reheating.
Microwave
The microwave is the easiest and quickest way, especially if you're in a hurry.
Just place the steak bake on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.
It's worth noting that this method tends to make the pastry a bit soggier than when it's cooked fresh.
Interestingly, our kids argue they prefer it this way, saying the softer pastry makes the steak bake even more enjoyable and more similar to the greggs steak bakes!
Oven
However, if you're aiming to recapture that freshly baked crispness, reheating in the oven is the way to go.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4) and place the steak bakes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until they're thoroughly warmed through and the pastry has regained its crisp texture.
This method takes a bit longer but brings back the delightful crunch that makes steak bakes so irresistible.
More Pastry Recipes
If you loved this, check out more pastry related recipes on our site.
Creating this steak bake recipe has not only been a labour of love but a fun adventure into making what we consider the perfect family favourite. We hope you find as much joy in making and eating these steak bakes as we have.
Juyali says
What a comforting dish! I made two batches to serve as an appetizer. I received so many compliments. Thank you!
Luke and Kay says
We are delighted to hear that our steak bake recipe was a hit at your event, Juyali! Thank you for choosing to use our recipe and we are happy to hear that it received many compliments. 🙂
Giangi Townsend says
I'm in love with the steak filling. It is so flavorful and tasty. I love how flaky the puff pastry is the whole steak bake is melt in the mouth Delicious. 🙂
Luke and Kay says
Thank you for your kind words, Giangi! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our steak bake recipe and found the filling to be flavorful and tasty.
Amy Liu Dong says
It's like a rich hot pocket! It looks awesome and is presented in a great light! I bet it would be greater in taste than it looks!
Luke and Kay says
Thank you for trying out our steak bake recipe, Amy! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it and the presentation. We always strive to make our recipes visually appealing and tasty at the same time! We hope you'll continue to explore and try out more of our simple yet delicious recipes. Happy cooking! 🙂