Minced Beef and Stilton Crumble Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the robust flavors of British cuisine. Inspired by traditional meat pies, this recipe features a twist on the classic by incorporating Stilton cheese and a crumbly topping rather than a conventional pastry crust. The result is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner.
“The History of British Meat Pies”
British cuisine has long celebrated the tradition of meat pies. These savory dishes date back to medieval times when thick pastry crusts were used as a means of preservation, sealing in meat and other ingredients. Over time, British pies evolved into a staple of home cooking and pub fare, featuring a wide array of fillings from steak and kidney to chicken and leek. The combination of minced beef and Stilton cheese in this recipe adds a contemporary twist to this historical favorite while maintaining the hearty appeal that makes meat pies a beloved dish.
“The Role of Stilton Cheese”
Stilton cheese is one of England’s most famous cheeses, revered for its crumbly texture and bold, tangy flavor. Originating from the 18th century, Stilton is produced in just three counties—Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. Its rich, slightly salty character enhances the deep umami flavors of the minced beef mixture in this dish, creating a luxurious depth that sets this pie apart from more traditional versions. The creamy, crumbly texture of Stilton allows it to melt into the filling while also holding its own, providing distinct nuggets of flavor in every bite.
“The Crumble Topping: A Rustic Variation”
Unlike traditional meat pies, which are often encased in shortcrust or puff pastry, this recipe features a crumble topping made with butter, flour, cheddar cheese, and parsley. This method introduces a delightful contrast in texture—crisp and golden on top while still letting the savory, juicy filling shine underneath. The crumble adds an element of ease to the pie-making process, making it a great option for home cooks who want all the deliciousness of a meat pie without the need for rolling out pastry.
“The Perfect Balance of Ingredients”
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully selected to complement the others. The minced beef, cooked with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, provides a rich and savory base. The addition of frozen peas lends a touch of sweetness and freshness, cutting through the richness of the cheese. The cheddar in the crumble topping enhances cheesiness while also adding a slight sharpness and crunch. Every element works together to create a well-balanced dish that is indulgent yet not overwhelming.
“A Dish for All Occasions”
Minced Beef and Stilton Crumble Pie is a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering, this pie is sure to impress with its combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. For best results, serve it with a simple green salad or some buttery mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
With its rich, savory filling and crisp, cheesy topping, this dish is a celebration of traditional British flavors with a modern twist. Perfect for lovers of comfort food, it’s bound to become a favorite in any household.
Minced Beef and Stilton Crumble Pie
Ingredients
Filling
2 tablespoons olive oil - Preferably extra virgin
1 cup onion - finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 pound ground beef (minced beef) - preferably grass-fed
1 cup beef stock (beef broth or beef bouillon) - preferably homemade or low-sodium
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup peas - frozen - 3.5 ounces Stilton cheese - crumbled
Crumble Topping
1 cup all purpose flour (plain flour Australia and UK)
3.5 ounces butter - cold and cubed
2.6 ounces cheddar cheese - grated
1 tablespoon parsley - finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and onions. Sauté the onions until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, approximately 8–10 minutes.
- Pour in the beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
- Stir in the frozen peas and let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. Heap in the crumbled Stilton cheese, mixing it through the beef mixture.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a pie dish, spreading it evenly.
- For the crumble topping, combine the flour and cold butter in a mixing bowl. Rub them together using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Mix in the grated cheddar and chopped parsley.
- Evenly disperse the crumble topping over the pie filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- For a keto-friendly variation, replace the flour in the crumble with almond flour.
