Mince And Cheese Pie with Puff Pastry

Name: Mince And Cheese Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 brown onion (finely chopped); 2 tsp minced garlic; 500 g beef mince; 1 tbs plain flour; 2 tbs tomato paste; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp caster sugar (optional); 1 cup liquid beef stock; salt and pepper; 1 cup frozen peas; 150 g cheese (grated (tasty, cheddar or mozarella)); 2 sheets puff pastry sheets (defrosted); 1 egg (whisked); sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This classic mince and cheese pie features a rich and juicy minced beef filling, a layer of grated cheese, and crisp flaky golden puff pastry on top.

This easy and economical dinner will be on the table in under 1 hour!

A portion of beef and mince pie on a white plate.

This mince and cheese pie is an easy family dinner that is on the table in less than an hour.

You can always guarantee the idea of a pie for dinner will be greeted with big smiles from all the family! Whether it's a steak and mushroom pie or beef party pies, chicken and leek pies, or chicken and mushroom pie, there will always requests for seconds!

We're huge fans of beef mince recipes, and beef and spinach cottage pie, beef sausage rolls and beef patty burgers are regulars on our weekly meal plans!

A portion of pie taken out of the baking dish, showing the layers of beef mince and crispy pastry.

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

Easy to make - the beef mince filling is made in one pan, then simply place in the baking dish, topped with cheese and puff pastry, and bake!
Family dinner - mince and cheese pie is loved by all the family (even the fussiest eaters!)
Freezer-friendly - make double the amount, or freeze leftovers then reheat for a quick and easy dinner!
Budget-friendly - this pie is made with budget ingredients and makes an economical dinner.

What You Need

This minced beef pie recipe is made with budget-friendly ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Ingredients needed to make the pie measured out and placed in individual bowls.

Olive oil - for sautéing the onion, garlic and beef mince in. You can use a regular olive oil or a vegetable oil if you prefer.
Brown onion - also called yellow onion.
Garlic - you can either use store bought minced garlic or crushed fresh garlic.
Beef mince - I prefer to use a lean beef mince in this pie, however you can use regular beef mince if you prefer.
Plain flour - also known as all-purpose flour.
Tomato paste - this adds a rich tomato flavour to the beef mince and gives it a lovely colour.
Worcestershire sauce - a little of this sauce really enhances the rich beef flavour.
Caster sugar - also known as superfine sugar. This is optional, some tomato pastes can taste a little bitter so a pinch of sugar is added to fix this.
Liquid beef stock - adds more rich beef flavour to the pie. As a substitute you can also use liquid chicken or vegetable stock, or a stock cube mixed with water.
Frozen peas - no need to defrost the peas before adding to the pie filling.
Salt and pepper - to season.
Cheese - either grated cheddar cheese, tasty cheese, mozzarella, or a mixture of these.
Puff pastry - 2 sheets defrosted. I like to use Pampas puff pastry however use whichever brand you have. If using frozen puff pastry, make sure it is defrosted before you use it.
Egg - a beaten egg is used to brush over the pastry and give it a lovely shiny, golden top when baked.
Sesame seeds - for sprinkling over the top of the pie, optional.

Equipment Required

You don't need any fancy equipment to make this savoury mince pie recipe! All you need is:

Large frying pan
Medium baking dish
Oven - I use a fan-forced oven. For a conventional oven, increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees Celsius.

A portion of mince and cheese pie on a white plate, with the baking dish in the background.

Step By Step Instructions

This beef mince and cheese pie takes just 15 minutes to prepare, then place in the oven until golden!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Cook Onion, Garlic And Beef

Preheat the oven and lightly grease the baking dish. Set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the onion, garlic and beef mince until browned. Break any lumps of mince up.

Sprinkle over the plain flour and stir through the meat and onion in the pan.

Browned minced beef, onion and garlic in a frying pan.

Step 2 - Add Tomato Paste, Worcestershire Sauce, Sugar And Stock

Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, caster sugar and liquid beef stock to the frying pan.

Tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and liquid beef stock added to the mince.

Mix to combine and then cook, stirring, until the liquid has thickened.

The thickened beef mince mixture in the frying pan.

Step 3 - Add The Peas And Season

Season with salt and pepper and stir through the frozen peas.

Step 4 - Pour Into A Baking Dish

Pour the beef filling into a the greased baking dish.

The beef mixture in the bottom of a pie dish.

Step 5 - Add The Cheese

Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the mince.

Grated cheese sprinkled over the beef mince in the baking dish.

Step 6 - Cover With Puff Pastry

Cover the filling with the puff pastry sheets, sealing the edges. Cut a few slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.

Brush the pastry sheets with the whisked egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.

The pie topped with puff pastry, brushed with beaten egg and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Step 7 - Bake

Bake mince and cheese pie in the preheated oven until the filling is piping hot and the pastry is flaky and golden.

The baked beef mince and cheese pie with a golden pastry top.

Expert Tips

Break the beef mince up with a spoon as it browns - to ensure no lumps and even cooking.
Make sure your puff pastry is defrosted fully before using.
A beaten egg - creates a wonderfully golden and shiny pastry top.
Serving ideas - this mince and cheese pie is delicious on its own, but you could also serve it with some mashed potato, or crispy wedges, and some steamed broccoli, green beans, carrots or cauliflower on the side.
Storage - store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How to reheat - reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot in the centre.

Overhead shot of a serve of meat pie on a plate.

FAQ's

Can I freeze mince and cheese pie?

Yes! Freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or oven.

Why is my puff pastry not rising?

You need to cut the puff pastry sheets with a sharp knife to avoid the layers from sticking together, and make sure that you cook the pie in a hot preheated oven, as the pastry needs a high temperature to rise.

Can I make this beef mince and cheese pie into mini pies?

Absolutely! You can bake this pie in smaller individual dishes or ramekins.