Steak and ale pies – the ultimate comfort food. There’s something special about the combination of tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, savory gravy, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. And when you add a pint of your favorite ale to the mix, it’s like a match made in heaven.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different takes on the classic steak and ale pie recipe. From traditional British recipes to modern twists with chorizo and caramelized onions, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Guinness or stout beer, or just looking for a hearty meal to warm up your belly, we’ve got you covered.
So grab a pint, pull out your mixing bowls, and let’s get started on this culinary journey!
Traditional British Steak and Ale Pie
This classic recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. A rich beef filling, infused with the deep flavors of ale and topped with a flaky pastry crust, makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stewing steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup ale (such as Guinness or Newcastle Brown Ale)
– 2 teaspoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the beef in a large skillet with oil, then set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
4. Add broth, ale, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Add browned beef back into the skillet; simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
7. Spoon beef mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
8. Brush edges with egg wash and fold other half of pastry over filling; press edges to seal.
9. Place pie on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Rich Guinness Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty, comforting pie that combines the richness of Guinness stout with tender steak and a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef striploin or ribeye, sliced into thin strips
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the steak strips over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Guinness stout, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish.
6. Arrange the cooked steak strips on top of the pie crust.
7. Pour the Guinness mixture over the steak.
8. Dot the top with butter and season with salt and pepper.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Herb-Infused Steak and Ale Pie
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and savory pie that combines tender steak, flavorful ale, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs beef steak (such as ribeye or strip loin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 cup ale (brown or porter work well)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups puff pastry, thawed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook until fragrant.
3. Add steak strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add ale and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and whisk in flour.
5. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
6. Place cooked steak mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Fold other half of pastry over filling and press edges to seal. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tsp water).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Slow-Cooked Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty and comforting pie that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. This recipe combines tender slow-cooked steak with a rich ale gravy, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef skirt or flank steak
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dark ale (such as Guinness)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Cook the steak in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the steak from the slow cooker and slice it thinly.
5. In a large skillet, combine the ale, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Roll out the pie crust and fill with the sliced steak and ale gravy.
7. Top with another pie crust or a pastry lid, crimping edges to seal.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 9 hours (slow cooker) + 25-30 minutes baking time
Cheddar-Crusted Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty, comforting pie that combines tender steak with a rich ale sauce and a crispy cheddar crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound top round steak, sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ale (such as Guinness or Newcastle Brown Ale)
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in ale and bring to a simmer. Let reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Roll out pie crust on a floured surface. Place steak strips on one half of the crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Spoon ale sauce over the steak.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the filling.
7. Fold the other half of the crust over the filling and press edges to seal. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Chorizo Steak and Ale Pie
Savory beef steak, spicy chorizo sausage, and rich ale come together in a hearty pie that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines bold flavors with ease of preparation.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak (such as ribeye or strip loin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 chorizo sausages, casings removed, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup strong ale
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the beef steak in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook the chorizo sausage until browned, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in ale, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Roll out puff pastry and place in a pie dish. Fill with the meat mixture, then top with another sheet of puff pastry.
7. Brush edges with water and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramelized Onion Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty, comforting pie that combines tender steak, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich ale-infused filling.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs beef steak (such as ribeye or strip loin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup brown ale
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the steak strips in olive oil until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, caramelize the onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and ale. Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Arrange cooked steak strips on top of the crust.
6. Spoon caramelized onions over the steak, followed by the ale-infused mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Mushroom and Ale Steak Pie
Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty, flavorful pie that combines tender steak, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich ale gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ale (brown or dark)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook steak strips in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add ale, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Arrange cooked steak and mushroom mixture in a pie crust. Dot with butter.
6. Roll out remaining pie crust to fit top of filling. Crimp edges to seal.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Steak and Ale Pie
Satisfy your hearty cravings with this rich and flavorful pie, featuring tender steak wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with a velvety ale-infused filling.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup ale (such as Guinness or stout)
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wrap bacon slices around the steak, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear the bacon-wrapped steak for 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool.
4. In a separate pan, cook diced onion and minced garlic until softened. Add beef broth, ale, flour, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish. Fill with the steak mixture and top with additional bacon strips.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Stout Beer Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty pie filled with tender steak, rich stout beer gravy, and flaky pastry – perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak (such as ribeye or strip loin), sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup stout beer (such as Guinness or Murphy’s)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the steak strips in butter until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
3. Add onion and garlic to the same skillet; cook until softened.
4. Stir in flour, beef broth, brown sugar, and stout beer. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with steak and gravy mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable-Packed Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty and comforting pie that combines tender steak with a rich vegetable filling, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak (such as chuck or round), sliced into thin strips
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ale (such as Guinness or Newcastle Brown Ale)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the steak over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetables, ale, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and flour. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the filling is rich and flavorful.
4. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill with the steak and vegetable mixture.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Mini Steak and Ale Hand Pies
Elevate your snack game with these savory mini hand pies, packed with tender steak and rich ale flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 pound beef sirloin, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ale (such as Guinness or Newcastle)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add ale, butter, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Spoon small amounts of the beef mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around each piece.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press edges to seal.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Place hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gluten-Free Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty, comforting pie filled with tender steak, caramelized onions, and a rich ale-infused filling, all on a gluten-free crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup ale (such as IPA or porter)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Gluten-free pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook steak strips over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onions until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper.
5. Roll out gluten-free pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with cooked steak, onions, ale, heavy cream, eggs, and thyme.
6. Cover pie crust edges with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Puff Pastry Steak and Ale Pie
Elevate your comfort food game with this show-stopping Puff Pastry Steak and Ale Pie. Tender steak, rich ale, and flaky puff pastry come together in a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef round or rump steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dark ale (such as Guinness)
– 2 cups puff pastry, thawed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook steak strips with olive oil, onion, and garlic until browned.
3. Add ale and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Spoon the steak mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Fold the other half over the filling and press edges to seal.
7. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet Potato Topped Steak and Ale Pie
This hearty pie combines tender steak, rich ale, and sweet potatoes for a comforting winter treat. Perfect for a cozy night in with friends or family.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak (such as ribeye or strip loin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup ale (such as stout or porter)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the diced sweet potatoes, ale, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
7. Fill the pie crust with the steak mixture and top with the sweet potato mixture.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Thai-Inspired Steak and Ale Pie
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand in a hearty pie that combines tender steak with a rich ale sauce, served over flaky pastry. This unique twist on traditional beef and ale pie is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Thai red curry paste
– 1 cup ale (such as IPA or stout)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake and cremini), sliced
– 1 tsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook steak and onion in oil until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, curry paste, ale, broth, mushrooms, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes or until liquid has reduced by half.
4. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
5. Fill pie crust with steak mixture and top with cilantro.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Steak and Ale Pie
A hearty, bold twist on traditional pie, this Smoky Chipotle Steak and Ale Pie combines tender steak with the deep flavors of chipotle peppers and a rich ale-based filling.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs beef top round or rump steak
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ale (such as stout or porter)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Grill or pan-fry until medium-rare, then slice into thin strips.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add chipotle peppers and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add ale, tomato paste, and sliced steak to the skillet. Stir to combine, then transfer mixture to pie crust.
5. Bake pie for 25-30 minutes or until filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cheesy Ale and Steak Pot Pie
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and savory pot pie, packed with tender steak, flaky crust, and a hint of beer’s depth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak (such as ribeye or strip loin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ale (dark or light)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
– 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought), thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook steak strips with olive oil until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened, then add ale, flour, and mixed vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add cooked steak back into the mixture, stirring to combine.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the steak mixture and top with grated cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight! This article brings together 18 mouth-watering recipes for classic steak and ale pies, each with its own unique twist. From traditional British flavors to spicy chorizo and smoky chipotle, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of slow-cooked beef or caramelized onions, these pies are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, grab a fork, and get ready to savor the rich flavors of steak and ale!
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