A Heavenly Delight: Trader Joe’s Steak and Stout Meat Pies Review
As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, I am constantly on the lookout for unique and delicious Trader Joe’s experiences. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying Trader Joe’s Steak and Stout Meat Pies, and I must say, they are an absolute delight for the senses. These mouthwatering savory treats offer a perfect blend of tender steak, rich stout gravy, and a flaky pastry crust. Join me on a flavorful journey as I extol the virtues of these delectable meat pies.
Unforgettable Flavor
The first bite of Trader Joe’s Steak and Stout Meat Pie is a revelation. The steak is incredibly tender, succulent, and full of flavor. Each piece melts in your mouth, leaving behind a warm and satisfying feeling. The robust stout gravy envelops the steak, infusing it with a delightful depth of taste. The gravy strikes a perfect balance between savory and slightly sweet, with hints of caramel and roasted malt. It adds an extra layer of richness that takes these meat pies to a whole new level.
Pastry Journey
A meat pie is only as good as its crust, and Trader Joe’s certainly delivers on this front. The pastry crust is flaky, buttery, and golden brown, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. It is expertly baked, striking the right balance between firmness and tenderness. The crust holds up well, even with the generous amount of flavorful filling, ensuring that every mouthful is a delightful experience. The only problem with the pastry crust is that there is a LOT of it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the pie crust and it was perfectly baked and crispy but there is a lot.
Convenience and Versatility?
Trader Joe’s Steak and Stout Meat Pies are a perfect solution for busy individuals or those looking for an easy and delicious meal. They are conveniently packaged in two individual servings, making them an easy way for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a family on the go, these meat pies are a hassle-free choice. They can be easily heated in the oven.
Unfortunately, it takes upwards of an hour to bake them in an oven to get them completely baked through and the crust crispy and delicious. I would not recommend heating them up in a microwave. If anything, I would thaw them in a microwave to speed up the baking process. Heating them in a microwave will just leave the pastry pie dough mushy. yuck.
Quality Ingredients
One of the things that set Trader Joe’s products apart is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients, and their Steak and Stout Meat Pies are no exception. The steak is sourced from reputable suppliers, ensuring that only the finest cuts make it into the pies. The stout gravy is made with care, utilizing premium stout beer and a well-balanced blend of herbs and spices. Each ingredient contributes to the overall excellence of these meat pies, making them a truly indulgent treat.
Value for Money
Trader Joe’s always strives to provide customers with exceptional value, and their Steak and Stout Meat Pies are no different. Priced competitively, at $6.49 for two, these meat pies offer a gourmet experience at an affordable price. Each pie is generously portioned, ensuring you’ll feel satisfied after enjoying one. The quality of ingredients, the expert craftsmanship, and the sheer deliciousness of these meat pies make them worth every penny. Each pie comes in at a whopping 800 calories which is more than enough for almost anyone for a single meal. One pie has 1180mg of sodium which is almost 50% of your daily recommended allowance of sodium. So, I wouldn’t make these a daily meal and only a special treat.
Final Verdict
Trader Joe’s Steak and Stout Meat Pies are a really good meal for what they are, a frozen meat pie that is super easy to make. With their unforgettable flavor, pastry, convenience, and high-quality ingredients, they are a true delight for the taste buds. The only downside, in my esteemed opinion, is that there is way too much pie crust and not enough stuff in the middle. But the flavors are excellent. Whether you’re a meat lover, a foodie, or someone looking for a convenient and satisfying meal, these meat pies tick all the boxes. Trader Joe’s has once again proven their commitment to providing exceptional products, and their Steak and Stout Meat Pies have undoubtedly earned a permanent place in my pantry. Treat yourself to these heavenly delights and embark on a flavorful journey you won’t soon forget.
INGREDIENTS:
PIE DOUGH (UNBLEACHED ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID) UNSALTED BUTTER (CREAM (FROM MILK), NATURAL FLAVOR [LACTIC ACIDI), WATER, NONFAT DRY MILK, SEA SALT, WHITE DISTILLED VINEGAR), PIE FILLING (STOUT GRAVY(WATER, STOUT BEER, CARROTS, TOMATO PASTE, CELERY, DICED ONIONS, CORNSTARCH, UNSALTED BUTTER(CREAM (FROM MILK), NATURAL FLAVOR (LACTIC ACID), GARLIC, MUSHROOMS, SEA SALT, SUGAR, BLACK PEPPER, ROSEMARY LEAVES, XANTHAN GUM, THYME), BEEF STEAK(STEAK, WATER, CORN STARCH, SALT, BLACK PEPPER), POTATO, BEEF BASE(ROASTED BEEF AND CONCENTRATE BEEF STOCK, SALT, YEAST EXTRACT, ORGANIC MALTODEXTRIN, SUNFLOWER OIL, SUGAR, DRIED ONION AND GARLIC, DRIED WHEY, CARAMEL COLOR CELERY SEED AND BLACK PEPPER)), EGG, PEPPER.
CONTAINS: MILK, EGG, WHEAT DIST. & SOLD EXCLUSIVELY BY:
HEATING INSTRUCTIONS:
CONVENTIONAL OVEN: Preheat oven to 350 °F. Remove outer packaging and film. Place on a baking sheet on the center oven rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until heated through. Carefully remove from oven and let stand 2 minutes before serving.
MICROWAVE (1200 watt): Microwave cook times may vary depending on oven wattage.
Remove outer packaging and film. Place on a microwave-safe dish, and heat on high for 5 minutes or until hot. Carefully remove pies from the microwave oven and let them sit for at least two minutes before eating because the insides will be very hot.
I agree these steak pies are delicious, but both times after eating one, I felt a kind of heartburn. The second time, I ate the pie for lunch instead of dinner, to give myself more time to digest it (all 800 calories!) before going to sleep, but I still got that kind of burning feeling. Maybe it’s all the sodium?
If you have heartburn after eating the steak & stout, it’s probably not the sodium that causes the heartburn. Heartburn (aka , acid reflux) can be triggered by beef, onions, wheat, fat…to name only a few. You should consult with an allergist or ENT to address your heartburn/ acid reflux.
We’ve had these several times and really enjoy them. My wife has time in the UK and she says they’re close to what she remembers. One suggestion take a very small amount of butter the end of a stick and just rub it on the hot pastry before you eat it.
Filling great…way too much not so tasty pastry and not enough of the great filling…
I used to love these, but post-Covid it is all dough and potato with nary a bit of meat to be found. My husband and I sometimes pool meat when one gets a few big pieces. Mostly the meat bits are about a quarter of an inch long and you get maybe two to four in the whole pie, if you are lucky. Legally, it really shouldn’t be called steak and ale, since steak is barely an ingredient. It should be renamed gravy and potato with hide-and-go-seek bits of meat.
I am going to have to get these again. I have been hearing this from other people. Maybe in the Fall when I can turn the oven on.
These are nothing like the meaty photo on the box! There are a few shreds of meat in the gravy (one small bite total) mostly potatoes with carrot and pastry. Tasty but no meat in these!
Do they ship these or which would be the closest store for me to get them at?
You can only buy in the store. Look at their website for closest location.
I absolutely love these things. Better than your average pot pie. The crust is a tasty treat on its own.
I enjoyed it but it seems to be hit or miss with some people.