Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie Recipe [+Tips & Tricks]

If you crave the deep, comforting soul of traditional British pub fare elevated with Michelin-level precision, Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie is the hearty, luxurious dish your taste buds deserve.

What Is Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie

Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie is a masterclass in culinary comfort-a robust, slow-cooked beef stew encased in a golden, buttery puff pastry crust, brimming with rich red wine gravy, sweet caramelized onions, and tender morsels of braised beef that fall apart with the touch of a fork. It’s a dish steeped in British tradition but refined with Ramsay’s signature flair: intense flavors, careful technique, and attention to texture. The result is a savory, fork-tender masterpiece that’s both rustic and elegant-perfect for a Sunday roast or a chilly winter evening.

Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Gordon Ramsay’s steak pie is built from layers of deep, savory complexity, and every ingredient plays a role in creating that signature flavor.

Main Ingredients:

• 800g (1.75 lb) stewing beef (such as chuck or brisket), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons plain flour (for coating beef)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil or vegetable oil, for searing
• 2 onions, finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) beef stock
• 300ml red wine (a bold, dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry (or homemade if you’re ambitious)
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Add-ins:

• Mushrooms (button or chestnut), for added umami
• A touch of mustard or horseradish in the gravy for a subtle kick
• A handful of fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment Needed

To do justice to this British classic, you’ll want to have the right tools at hand:

• Heavy-based casserole or Dutch oven (for searing and braising)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring the stew)
• Sharp chef’s knife (for cutting the meat and vegetables)
• Mixing bowl (for tossing beef with flour)
• Rolling pin (if rolling out puff pastry)
• Pie dish or ovenproof baking dish (ceramic or cast iron works beautifully)
• Pastry brush (for the egg wash)
• Oven (preheated for baking perfection)

How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Toss the beef cubes in a bowl with flour, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. This helps create a crust and thickens the stew later.

2. Brown the Meat:
   Heat oil in your Dutch oven until smoking hot. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich caramelized crust. Set aside.

3. Build the Flavor Base:
   In the same pot, reduce the heat and sauté onions until deeply golden and sweet. Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened-around 8-10 minutes.

4. Deglaze and Simmer:
   Stir in tomato purée and cook for 1 minute, then deglaze with red wine. Scrape up the delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pot-this is liquid gold.

   Add Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Return beef to the pot.

5. Braise:
   Cover and simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours on low heat (or in the oven at 160°C/320°F) until the beef is meltingly tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.

6. Cool and Assemble:
   Let the stew cool slightly before assembling the pie. Spoon the beef mixture into your pie dish.

   Lay the puff pastry on top, pressing down around the edges to seal. Use a knife to cut small steam holes or create decorative slits. Brush generously with egg yolk.

7. Bake:
   Place in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.

8. Rest and Serve:
   Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to settle. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, minted peas, or a crisp green salad.

Expert Tips

• Let the filling cool before topping with pastry: Hot filling will melt the pastry before it bakes, ruining the puff.
• Use beef with good marbling: Cuts like chuck or brisket break down into luscious tenderness and hold flavor exceptionally well.
• Make it ahead: The stew can be made a day before to deepen flavors and simplify prep.
• Avoid soggy bottoms: Bake on the lower rack of your oven or place the pie dish on a preheated baking sheet.
• Customize it: Want something earthier? Add sautéed mushrooms. Want boldness? Spike the gravy with a teaspoon of English mustard.

Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie is not just a recipe-it’s an experience. It brings together rustic tradition, slow-cooked comfort, and chef-driven intensity in one piping-hot, golden-crusted dish.

Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or simply indulging in a self-care weekend, this pie promises more than nourishment-it delivers warmth, elegance, and the unmistakable taste of home-cooked luxury. Try it once, and you’ll see why this dish is a staple in the world of elevated British cuisine.

Easy Recipe Variations For Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie

While Gordon Ramsay’s classic steak pie recipe already delivers deeply satisfying results-with meltingly tender beef, rich gravy, and golden puff pastry-there’s ample room for creative variations that elevate or customize the dish to suit your taste or pantry. Here are a few inspired takes:

1. Guinness or Ale Twist:
   Want a deeper, malty punch in your gravy?

   Swap some of the beef stock for a dark ale or stout like Guinness. This adds complexity and a subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the richness of the beef.

2. Mushroom & Thyme:
   For an earthy, woodland vibe, fold in sautéed cremini or wild mushrooms and fresh thyme. The mushrooms absorb the juices and amplify the umami. Pair this version with a hint of Dijon mustard stirred into the gravy for an extra tang.

3. Root Veg Enrichment:
   Add rustic diced carrots, parsnips, or even swede (rutabaga) to bulk up the filling. These vegetables soak up the meaty gravy and provide sweet counterpoints to the savory pie.

4. Cheese-Crusted Puff Pastry:
   Before baking, sprinkle finely grated mature cheddar or parmesan over the top of the pastry for a golden, crispy cheese crust. The saltiness of the cheese pairs beautifully with the meaty filling.

5. Lamb & Rosemary Variation:
   Swap out the beef for chunks of lamb shoulder, and use rosemary instead of bay leaf or thyme. Add a splash of red wine instead of ale. The result is a richer, more aromatic pie with a subtle gamey edge.

6. Spicy Steak Pie:
   Give the dish a kick by incorporating a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of mustard powder, and even some finely chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne. It’s a bold move that still honors the soul of the original recipe.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Leftover steak pie is a treasure-rich, flavorful, and often even better the next day. But storing it properly ensures it stays safe and delicious. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Cool It Down First:
   Before refrigerating or freezing, let the pie cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and soggy pastry while protecting your fridge from unnecessary heat.

2. Refrigeration:
   Transfer leftovers into an airtight container or wrap the pie tightly in foil or clingfilm. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps up again.

3. Freezing for Later:
   Steak pie freezes remarkably well. Slice it into individual portions and wrap each piece in clingfilm followed by foil, or place them in airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Reheating from Frozen:
   No need to thaw if you’re short on time. Simply place the frozen slice in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 35-40 minutes, covering loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Pro Tip: Avoid microwaving the pie-it’ll make the pastry soggy. The oven is your best bet for that just-baked crispness.

What Goes Well With Steak Pie?

A hearty steak pie calls for accompaniments that balance its richness, add textural contrast, or brighten the plate. Here are some deliciously complementary options:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
   The classic pairing-smooth, buttery mash-acts as the perfect canvas to soak up all that rich gravy. Add a splash of cream or roasted garlic for indulgence.

2. Buttered Greens:
   Think sautéed kale, garlicky spinach, or simply steamed green beans tossed in butter and lemon zest. These lighten the plate and offer freshness against the robust pie.

3. Roasted Root Vegetables:
   A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and red onions-caramelized at the edges-mirrors the earthy notes in the pie filling and adds natural sweetness.

4. Mushy Peas or Minted Peas:
   A staple on many British plates, mushy peas (or lightly crushed peas with mint and butter) add a pop of color and a creamy contrast to the savory pastry.

5. Red Wine or Dark Ale:
   For drinks, pair the pie with a full-bodied red (like Shiraz or Malbec) or a dark ale to echo the deep flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s steak pie is more than a comfort food-it’s a canvas for creativity, a perfect make-ahead meal, and a brilliant centerpiece for hearty dinners. With smart twists, proper storage, and thoughtful sides, this dish can evolve to fit weeknight cravings or special occasions alike. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or jazzing it up with bold flavors, steak pie remains a deeply satisfying tribute to traditional British cuisine, served with a modern, flavorful twist.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Required For Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

To make Gordon Ramsay’s steak pie, you’ll need beef (such as chuck steak), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, beef stock, flour, butter, puff pastry, and egg yolk for the glaze. The ingredients focus on hearty, rich flavors, which combine to create a deeply satisfying dish.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

Gordon Ramsay’s steak pie takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to prepare and cook.

The slow-cooked beef filling takes time to tenderize and absorb all the flavors. The pastry is baked for about 25 to 30 minutes until golden and crispy.

What Type Of Beef Should Be Used For Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

For the best results, Gordon Ramsay recommends using a tougher cut of beef, such as chuck steak, as it breaks down during cooking and becomes tender, creating a rich, flavorful filling. It is essential to choose a well-marbled cut for a succulent result.

Can I Use Ready-made Puff Pastry For Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

Yes, you can use ready-made puff pastry for convenience, but for the best results, Gordon Ramsay recommends making your own pastry. Homemade pastry gives the pie a flakier, more authentic texture.

What Is The Key To Making A Rich And Flavorful Gravy For The Steak Pie?

The key to making a rich gravy for the steak pie is to first brown the beef and vegetables, then use a good-quality beef stock to deglaze the pan. Simmering the ingredients together for a long time allows the flavors to intensify. Adding a bit of flour helps thicken the gravy, creating a luxurious, savory sauce.

How Can I Make The Steak Pie Filling More Flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the filling, Gordon Ramsay suggests adding ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, red wine, or a little bit of dark ale to the beef stock. The addition of thyme, bay leaves, and garlic also deepens the flavor profile, making the filling more aromatic and rich.

Can I Freeze Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

Yes, you can freeze Gordon Ramsay’s steak pie either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie, cover it, and freeze.

When you’re ready to bake, simply cook it from frozen or allow it to thaw before baking. The pie should be baked for a little longer if it’s frozen.

What Should I Serve With Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

Gordon Ramsay’s steak pie pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with extra gravy on the side for an added touch of richness.

How Do I Prevent The Pastry From Becoming Soggy On The Bottom Of The Steak Pie?

To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, make sure that the beef filling is not too liquidy. If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch. Additionally, it’s helpful to brush the bottom of the pastry with a bit of egg wash or melted butter before filling it.

How Do I Make The Pastry For Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Pie?

To make the pastry for Gordon Ramsay’s steak pie, you need to combine flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water to form a dough, then chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the pastry achieve the ideal flaky texture when baked.