Minced Beef Pie

Steps

1. 1
   Step 1:

   Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6.

2. 2
   Step 2:

   Heat the oil in a deep frying pan.

3. 3
   Step 3:

   Fry the minced beef for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.

   4–5 min
4. 4
   Step 4:

   Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.

   2–3 min
5. 5
   Step 5:

   Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

6. 6
   Step 6:

   Stir in the flour and cook for a further minute.

7. 7
   Step 7:

   Add the chopped mushrooms, the stout or beef stock, and a couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

8. 8
   Step 8:

   Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat.

9. 9
   Step 9:

   Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes.

   20 min
10. 10
    Step 10:

    Set aside and leave the meat mixture to cool, then turn it into a 1 litre pie dish.

11. 11
    Step 11:

    Roll out the pastry on a floured work surface until it is slightly larger than the pie dish.

12. 12
    Step 12:

    Gently drape the pastry over the dish, pressing firmly onto the edges.

13. 13
    Step 13:

    Trim the pastry, then shape the edges into a fluted shape.

14. 14
    Step 14:

    Cut leaf shapes from the pastry trimmings and decorate the top of the pie, sticking them to the pastry with some of the beaten egg yolk.

15. 15
    Step 15:

    Make three or four slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.

16. 16
    Step 16:

    Brush the pie with the remaining beaten egg yolk.

17. 17
    Step 17:

    Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

    20–25 min
18. 18
    Step 18:

    To serve, slice into wedges.