Bishops Pie is a hearty dish that brings us comfort every time we dig in. This savory recipe has layers of tender meat creamy potatoes and a rich sauce that turns each bite into pure bliss.
Its origin likely dates back to rustic kitchens where cooks needed a filling meal that could feed the whole family. We love how simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony so we can’t wait to share our take on this timeless classic.
We love how it warms us from the inside out and makes any evening feel special. If we’re craving a hearty home-cooked dish this pie always delivers delicious results.
Bishops Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 cup peas frozen or fresh
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mashed potatoes prepared
Cooking Steps
- We warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- We add ground beef and onion and cook until the meat is browned.
- We stir in peas and carrots and continue cooking until the vegetables soften.
- We sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well for about 1 minute.
- We pour in the beef broth and add salt and black pepper. We let the sauce thicken.
- We transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
- We spread our mashed potatoes evenly on top using a spatula for smooth coverage.
- We bake the pie until the surface is golden. We usually aim for 375°F.
| Baking Temperature in °F | Approximate Time in Minutes |
|---|---|
| 375 | 25 to 30 |
- We remove the dish from the oven and let it rest briefly for easier serving.
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few essential items to assemble our Bishops Pie. Each tool supports the process of browning the meat mixture and perfectly layering the creamy mashed potatoes. We keep these items at hand so our steps flow smoothly.
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Large Skillet | We use it to brown our ground beef and sauté our onions and carrots. |
| Wooden Spoon | Helps us break up the meat and evenly combine seasonings. |
| Measuring Cups | Ensure accurate liquid measurements for our sauce. |
| Measuring Spoons | Help us add precise amounts of salt and pepper. |
| Potato Masher | Creates a fluffy texture for the mashed potatoes layer. |
| Oven-Safe Baking Dish | Carries the layers of meat and mashed potatoes as they bake and turn golden in the oven. |
Ingredients
Below is a simple breakdown of what we need for our Bishops Pie. We organize each item in the order we typically use them:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing |
| Ground beef | 1 pound (450 g) | Sub with ground lamb if desired |
| Onion, chopped | 1 cup | Adds savory depth |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup | Optional step: blanch until tender |
| Peas | 1 cup | Fresh or frozen |
| Garlic, minced | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons | Helps thicken the filling |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Boosts flavor and color |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | Delivers rich umami |
| Beef stock | 1 cup | May need more for thinner sauce |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Balance flavor |
| Mashed potatoes | 3 cups | Must be warm and fluffy |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Gives mashed topping richness |
We first heat the olive oil and brown the ground beef in a skillet. Once the meat is cooked through, we stir in the onion, carrots, peas, and garlic until they soften and release their flavors. We then sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a roux.
Once everything is combined, we fold in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. We season with salt & pepper, simmer gently, then spoon the mixture into our baking dish. Finally, we top the filling with creamy mashed potatoes blended with butter, ensuring a smooth, even layer before baking.
Directions
Let us walk through the steps for assembling our Bishops Pie. We want each layer to shine with comforting flavor.
Prep
- We preheat our oven to 375°F.
- We gather our measured ingredients: flour, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, stock, and vegetables.
- We chop onions, carrots, and garlic for a smoother cooking process.
Make The Filling
- We heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- We add ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until the meat is browned. We break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon.
- We stir in chopped onions, diced carrots, and minced garlic. We sauté them until they turn slightly tender.
- We sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir until the flour is fully incorporated.
- We add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. We stir to form a rich sauce.
- We sprinkle salt and pepper for seasoning. We let the filling simmer until it thickens.
Prepare The Topping
- We mash cooked potatoes with butter and a sprinkle of salt.
- We stir until the mixture becomes fluffy and spreadable.
- We keep the mashed potatoes warm to ensure easy layering.
Assemble And Bake
- We transfer our filling into an oven-safe dish.
- We spread the warm mashed potatoes over the top, making sure we cover the entire surface.
- We create gentle swirls with a spoon for a crisp finish.
- We place the pie in our oven and bake until golden. We typically bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
| Step | Temperature | Time Range |
|---|---|---|
| Baking the Pie | 375°F | 25–30 minutes |
We remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest briefly. We then serve slices of our Bishops Pie while still warm.
Serving Suggestions
We enjoy serving our Bishops Pie with a bright green salad or roasted root vegetables. We love how a light vinaigrette balances the rich filling. We sometimes sprinkle the top with chopped chives or a handful of grated cheese for extra indulgence. We also recommend a side of warm bread rolls for soaking up every drop of savory sauce.
| Side Dish | Texture and Flavor |
|---|---|
| Crisp green salad | Adds freshness that balances the creamy topping |
| Roasted root vegetables | Brings subtle sweetness to complement the hearty pie |
| Warm bread rolls | Perfect for absorbing the savory juices |
| Steamed green beans | Contributes a tender crunch and vibrant color |
Make-Ahead And Storage
We can prepare Bishops Pie in advance by assembling the layers in our baking dish. We then cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps us manage our time when we have a busy schedule. If we wish to store it for a longer period we freeze it unbaked. We wrap the dish in plastic wrap and place it in a labeled freezer-safe bag to maintain freshness.
Below is a reference table for storage times:
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated (unbaked) | 24 hours |
| Frozen (unbaked) | Up to 2 months |
| Refrigerated leftovers | 3 days |
| Frozen leftovers | Up to 2 months |
When we decide to bake from frozen we thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and follow the standard baking instructions. For leftovers we place portions in an oven-safe dish and reheat at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. We can also use the microwave if we prefer a quicker method.
Conclusion
We love how Bishops Pie transforms an ordinary evening into something truly special. There’s a certain magic in using simple elements to create layers of flavor that fill our home with warmth. Add your favorite seasonings or extra garnishes for a personal twist and let the oven work its magic.
We hope this comforting dish finds a permanent spot in your meal rotation and brings a touch of cozy satisfaction to every family gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bishops Pie?
Bishops Pie is a hearty baked dish featuring layers of ground meat, savory vegetables, and a fluffy mashed potato topping. It traces its origins to rustic home cooking, offering a warm and comforting meal for families. Once baked until golden, this pie becomes a soul-warming favorite that fits equally well on a busy weeknight or a special occasion.
How do I make the Bishops Pie filling?
Begin by browning ground beef (or lamb) in a large skillet with onions, carrots, and peas. Stir in garlic, flour, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock to create a rich gravy. Cook until it thickens, then transfer to an oven-safe dish, ready for the mashed potato topping.
Which tools are essential?
A large skillet for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables, a sturdy wooden spoon for mixing, measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts, a potato masher for the fluffy potato layer, and an oven-safe baking dish for the final bake are key tools.
What goes into the mashed potato topping?
Use cooked, peeled potatoes smashed with butter, then season with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and fluffy, ensuring the potatoes form a comforting blanket over the meat and vegetable filling.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes. You can assemble Bishops Pie up to a day ahead, then cover and store it in the refrigerator. Simply pop it into a preheated oven when you’re ready to bake. This flexibility makes it an excellent meal-planning option for busy schedules.
What are some serving ideas?
Serve Bishops Pie with a light green salad or roasted root vegetables for balance. Enhance flavor by topping with grated cheese or chopped chives. Warm bread rolls also complement the dish, perfect for dipping into the savory sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Cover leftovers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, roughly 15–20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before heating. This ensures the pie stays delicious and fresh.