Beef Stilton Cheese Pie: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Beef Stilton Cheese Pie: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine sinking your teeth into a flaky, golden crust, giving way to a rich and savory filling of tender beef, perfectly complemented by the creamy, pungent notes of Stilton cheese. This isn’t just a pie; it’s an experience.

The history of savory pies stretches back centuries, with variations found across numerous cultures. In Britain, pies have long been a staple, evolving from simple, rustic fare to the sophisticated creations we enjoy today. The addition of Stilton, a quintessentially English cheese with its distinctive blue veins and robust flavor, elevates this Beef Stilton Cheese Pie to a truly special occasion dish.

But what makes this pie so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tender, slow-cooked beef provides a hearty base, while the Stilton cheese adds a luxurious creaminess and a delightful sharpness that cuts through the richness. People adore this dish because it’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a cozy night in or a celebratory gathering. Plus, with a little planning, it can be surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a winner for both novice and experienced cooks alike. So, let’s get started and create a Beef Stilton Cheese Pie that will impress your family and friends!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Beef Filling:
• 1.5 kg Beef Chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 large Onions, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 Celery stalks, chopped
• 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 500 ml Beef Broth
• 250 ml Red Wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
• 2 Bay Leaves
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 150g Stilton Cheese, crumbled
• For the Pastry:
• 375g All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for dusting
• 185g Cold Unsalted Butter, cubed
• Pinch of Salt
• 6-8 tbsp Ice Water
• 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparing the Beef Filling:

1. Sear the Beef: First, we need to get a good sear on the beef. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This is crucial for browning! Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot!), sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce later on.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (this is where all the flavor is!). Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Combine and Simmer: Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot. Return the seared beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! Check occasionally and add more beef broth if needed to keep the beef submerged.
6. Remove Bay Leaves and Adjust Seasoning: Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the Stilton cheese will add saltiness, so don’t over-salt at this stage.
7. Cool the Filling: Let the beef filling cool completely before assembling the pie. This is important because a hot filling will melt the pastry. You can even make the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Making the Pastry:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly and keep the butter cold! If the butter gets too warm, the pastry will be tough.
3. Add the Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a disc. Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the pastry easier to roll out.

Assembling the Pie:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the pastry dough to a thickness of about 3mm (1/8 inch). Use this to line the bottom and sides of a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish. Trim any excess pastry from the edges.
3. Add the Stilton: Sprinkle half of the crumbled Stilton cheese evenly over the bottom of the pastry-lined dish.
4. Fill the Pie: Spoon the cooled beef filling into the pie dish, on top of the Stilton.
5. Top with Remaining Stilton: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled Stilton cheese over the beef filling.
6. Roll Out the Top Crust: Roll out the remaining pastry dough to a thickness of about 3mm (1/8 inch).
7. Cover the Pie: Carefully place the pastry over the filling. Trim any excess pastry from the edges and crimp the edges to seal. You can use a fork to press the edges together or create a decorative pattern.
8. Create Steam Vents: Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the pastry from puffing up too much and cracking.
9. Egg Wash: Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the pie a beautiful golden-brown color.

Baking the Pie:

1. Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the pie loosely with foil.
2. Rest: Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions:

This Beef and Stilton Pie is delicious served warm with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. It’s also great on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Beef Stilton Cheese Pie isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. From the rich, savory beef to the creamy, tangy Stilton, every bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates hearty, comforting food with a touch of sophistication. It’s the kind of dish that will impress your guests at a dinner party or simply warm you up on a chilly evening.

But why is this pie so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender, slow-cooked beef practically melts in your mouth, while the Stilton adds a delightful sharpness that cuts through the richness. The flaky, golden crust provides the perfect vessel for all these wonderful ingredients, creating a truly unforgettable culinary creation. I’ve made this pie countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Beyond its incredible flavor, this Beef Stilton Cheese Pie is also surprisingly versatile. While I personally love serving it with a simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad, there are plenty of other options to explore. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. A dollop of creamy mashed potatoes would also be a fantastic addition.

Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A sharp cheddar or a creamy Gruyere would both work beautifully in place of the Stilton. You could also add some chopped mushrooms or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a splash of red wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an even deeper, richer taste. For a vegetarian option, you could substitute the beef with lentils or a mixture of roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine, and the first bite is pure bliss.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m so excited for you to try this Beef Stilton Cheese Pie and experience the magic for yourself.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Happy baking! I hope this becomes a staple in your home, just as it has in mine. Enjoy!