Delicious Homemade Steak Bakes Recipe

Craving a savory treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Look no further than these delectable Steak Bakes! Inspired by the desire for a homemade version of those famous pastries from Greggs, these handheld meat pies are a true labor of love. Picture tender chunks of beef enveloped in a rich, thick gravy, all encased in crispy, flaky puff pastry. The result? A culinary delight that surpasses any store-bought alternative.

I stumbled upon the magic of Steak Bakes during my quest for the perfect beef stew recipe, and the rest is history. From casual weeknight dinners to lively football team parties, these pastries have become a hit wherever they go. Just ask my friend Sarah, whose son’s teammates couldn’t get enough of these savory morsels, dubbing them “those amazing meat pies.” With each bite, these Steak Bakes deliver a burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or gearing up for game day festivities, these Steak Bakes are sure to steal the show. Perfectly paired with a side salad or roasted veggies, they offer a satisfying meal that’s both convenient and crowd-pleasing. And the best part? You can customize them to your heart’s content, adding veggies, cheese, or herbs to elevate the taste to new heights. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Steak Bakes and savor the joy of homemade comfort food at its finest.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient and Versatile: Can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated for easy weeknight dinners or weekend lunches. Can be customized with additional vegetables, herbs, or cheese for variety.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed hit at parties, gatherings, and game days. Received rave reviews from both friends and family, with requests for the recipe.
• Satisfying Comfort Food: Rich, thick gravy with tender beef enveloped in crispy puff pastry provides a comforting and flavorful handheld meal experience.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Homemade Steak Bakes Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful Filling: The combination of tender beef chunks in a rich, thick gravy is incredibly satisfying and comforting.
• Crispy, Flaky Pastry: The puff pastry creates a buttery, flaky exterior that complements the savory filling perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can batch-make these steak bakes and freeze them for quick and easy weeknight dinners or lunches.
• Crowd Pleaser: These handheld meat pies are a hit with both kids and adults, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Versatile: You can customize the filling by adding vegetables, cream, cheese, or herbs to suit your preferences and create different flavor profiles.
• Game Day Favorite: These steak bakes are substantial and satisfying, making them a great option for game day snacking or casual entertaining.
• Freezer-Friendly: The steak bakes freeze well both before and after baking, allowing you to have a convenient meal or snack ready at a moment’s notice.
• Memorable Dish: These homemade steak bakes have the potential to become your signature dish for potlucks and family gatherings, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who tries them.

Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Steak Bakes Recipe

Pastry

• 2.5 sheets pre-rolled puff pastry
• 1 large egg, beaten for wash

Beef Filling

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 lbs chuck steak or braising beef, diced small
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Braising Liquid

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled
• 1/2 cup red wine

How to Make Delicious Homemade Steak Bakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Remove any large pieces of fat from the beef and cut it into small 1/2-inch chunks. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Brown half of the beef until lightly colored, then remove. Repeat with the remaining beef, removing any excess moisture. Remove beef and reduce heat to medium.

Step 3: Cook Aromatics

Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into the pot. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and beginning to brown, around 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Gravy

Mix in flour and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine and whisk until a thick paste forms. Slowly incorporate beef stock, whisking continuously to avoid clumps.

Step 5: Add Seasonings

Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and crumbled bouillon cube to the pot. Return beef to pot and simmer.

Step 6: Slow Braise

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for approximately 80 minutes, stirring occasionally. Beef should be tender and gravy thick. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Cool the Filling

Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature, allowing the gravy to thicken as it cools.

Step 8: Prepare Pastry

Preheat oven to 390°F. Roll out pastry sheets, then cut into 10 equal rectangles. Keep pastry chilled until needed.

Step 9: Assemble Bakes

Place a small amount of beef filling on one side of each pastry rectangle. Brush edges with egg wash, fold over, and press edges with a fork to seal. Brush tops with egg wash and create steam vents.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Arrange on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy, with gravy bubbling out. Let cool briefly before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished steak bakes, you have a couple of options depending on your needs. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, assemble the steak bakes completely but freeze them before adding the egg wash and baking. This way, you can keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to bake them. To use them, simply thaw the frozen steak bakes overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the egg wash and baking as directed in the recipe.

Alternatively, if you have already baked the steak bakes and have leftovers, they can also be stored for future enjoyment. Fully baked steak bakes can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the frozen steak bakes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. This method allows you to have delicious homemade steak bakes on hand for quick and convenient meals whenever you crave them.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist on these steak bakes, you can substitute the chuck steak with a mix of hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. Diced mushrooms provide a meaty texture and absorb the flavors of the gravy beautifully. You can also add some lentils or chickpeas for extra protein and substance. Consider using vegetable stock instead of beef stock to keep the filling completely vegetarian-friendly. This variation can appeal to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, making it a versatile option for gatherings.

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of these steak bakes, you can opt for leaner cuts of beef such as sirloin or tenderloin. These cuts are less fatty but still tender, providing a healthier option without compromising on taste. Additionally, you can use whole wheat puff pastry for a more nutritious alternative. To enhance the flavors in the filling, add a variety of herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone. This substitution allows you to enjoy a guilt-free version of these savory pastries while still savoring the rich gravy and flaky pastry.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating these steak bakes with a side of tangy horseradish cream dipping sauce. The creamy and slightly spicy horseradish flavor pairs perfectly with the rich beef gravy, adding a delightful kick to each savory bite. This unconventional twist will elevate the flavors of the steak bakes and impress your guests with a unique and delicious accompaniment.

Another fun idea is to serve these steak bakes as a part of a DIY pastry bar at your next gathering. Provide a variety of dipping sauces such as tangy BBQ sauce, zesty chimichurri, and creamy mushroom sauce along with some fresh herbs, pickles, and shredded cheese for toppings. Let your guests customize their steak bakes with their favorite flavors, creating a fun and interactive dining experience that will have everyone coming back for more.

FAQs for Delicious Homemade Steak Bakes Recipe

Question?

Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?

Answer.

Yes, you can use pre-rolled puff pastry sheets for convenience. Just make sure to thaw them according to the package instructions before using.

Question?

Can I substitute the beef with another type of protein?

Answer.

While the recipe is specifically designed for beef, you can experiment with other proteins like chicken or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Question?

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Answer.

To prevent the pastry from getting soggy, make sure the filling has cooled completely before assembling the steak bakes. Additionally, do not overfill the pastries to avoid bursting seams during baking.

Question?

Can I reheat frozen steak bakes?

Answer.

Yes, you can reheat frozen steak bakes by baking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Steak Bakes are a true labor of love that never fail to bring joy and satisfaction to those who savor them. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, these handheld meat pies are sure to impress. The process may require patience and attention to detail, but the delicious end result speaks for itself.

So, don’t hesitate to dive into the world of homemade Steak Bakes and make them your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Let these savory pastries become a staple in your kitchen, creating lasting memories with each golden, flaky bite. Share them with your loved ones and watch as they become a cherished favorite, just like they have for me and for my friend Sarah and her son’s football team. Steak Bakes truly have the power to bring people together over irresistible comfort food that warms both the belly and the heart.