Step 1

In a large casserole pan, sauté the onion over medium heat until softened.

Step 2

Mix together the flour, salt and pepper then mix it through the cubed beef. Turn the heat up to high, then add the beef to the pan with the onion and cook until sealed all over.

Step 3

Add enough stock to cover the beef and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low-medium and bring it to a simmer. Cover, stirring occasionally to stop it sticking for about 40 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for a further ½ hour to reduce the gravy.

Step 4

If the gravy gets too thick you can add a little more stock or a little water but you want it quite thick. The liquid should reduce by about half, remembering to stir every so often.

Step 5

Once the meat is tender, adjust the seasoning, then add the mushrooms and leave the mixture to cool.

Step 6

To a food processor, add the flour and butter and process until it looks like bread crumbs. Add the egg yolks and blitz just enough to combine. With the food processor on low, slowly add the water until the dough starts to clump together.

Step 7

Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and just pull together with your hands. If it's a warm day, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for ½ an hour before continuing.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F / 180C fan forced.

Step 9

On a floured surface, roll out half the pastry large enough to fit the bottom of a 24cm (9.5 inch) pie dish and about 3-4mm thick. Lay into the bottom of the pie dish making sure it overhangs the lip a little.

Step 10

Add the cold meat and mushroom mixture into the dish and brush a little water around the edge of the overhanging pastry base.

Step 11

Now roll out the second half of the pastry dough and lay it over the top, making sure it overhangs the edges also. Using the thumb and forefinger of one hand and the forefinger of your other hand, pinch the edges together all the way round to seal the edge of the pie. Brush the top of the pie all over with a beaten egg, then poke 4 holes in the top (so that steam can escape).

Step 12

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pastry is cooked and the top is golden all over.