A Proper British Comfort Dish
Spelt Stout and Steak Pie is a rich, warming classic made for cold days. Tender beef cooks slowly in stout, creating deep flavour and a thick gravy. Spelt pastry adds a nutty taste and crisp texture. This pie suits family dinners, Sunday meals, or special occasions. It is filling, satisfying, and easy to prepare with simple steps.
Why This Pie Works
Stout gives the gravy depth without bitterness. Slow cooking keeps the beef tender. Spelt flour creates a crisp yet tender pastry. Vegetables add balance and natural sweetness.
The pie holds well and tastes even better the next day.
Spelt Stout and Steak Pie
Description
Hearty Spelt Stout and Steak Pie with tender beef, rich stout gravy, and crisp spelt pastry. A classic British comfort dish that is filling, flavourful, and perfect for family dinners or weekends.
Ingredients
Pie Filling
Spelt Pastry
To Finish
Instructions
Prepare beef.
- Toss beef in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
Brown beef.
- Heat oil in a large pan. Brown beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
Cook vegetables.
- In the same pan, cook onion and carrots for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze pan.
- Pour in stout, scraping up browned bits.
Build the filling.
- Add beef back to the pan. Stir in stock, tomato purée, thyme, and bay leaf.
Simmer.
- Cover and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours until beef is tender and gravy thick. Cool completely.
Make pastry.
- Rub butter into spelt flour until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water. Mix to form dough. Chill for 20 minutes.
Assemble pie.
- Preheat oven to 190°C. Fill pie dish with cooled filling. Roll pastry and cover pie. Seal edges and cut steam holes.
Bake.
- Brush with beaten egg. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
Serve.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Cholesterol 95mg32%
- Sodium 420mg18%
- Potassium 720mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Additional Notes
- Cool filling fully before adding pastry to prevent soggy crust.
- Use a mild stout for balanced flavour.
- Pie can be assembled a day ahead and chilled.
Optional Substitutions & Variations
- Use lamb instead of beef.
- Add mushrooms for extra depth.
- Replace stout with ale if preferred.
- Top with spelt mash instead of pastry for a cottage-style pie.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to keep pastry crisp.
- Freeze baked pie for up to 2 months.
