Slow-cooked Beef Stroganoff Pot Pies

1. Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Using 1 tablespoon of the oil, brown the beef (in batches if needed) in a large frying pan over medium–high heat for 8–12 minutes. Set aside.
3. Using the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, cook the onion and garlic in the same pan over medium heat until softened, 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
5. Add the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds (it will form a lumpy paste).
6. Follow either the slow-cooker or stovetop method below.

Slow-cooker method

1. Add the tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and beef stock to the slow-cooker and stir to combine.
2. Add the cooked beef and mushroom mixture and stir gently to combine. The beef may not be completely submerged, which is fine; it will melt into the sauce as it cooks.
3. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. Stir in the sour cream for the last 15 minutes of cooking time. The beef should come apart easily with a fork. If not, continue to cook in 15-minute intervals until soft.

Stovetop method

1. Return the beef to the pan and add the tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and beef stock.
2. Return to the boil, then simmer over the lowest heat for 11/2 hours, covered. Stir occasionally. If the sauce is sticking to the base of the pan, add 1/2 cup (125 ml) of water.
3. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1 hour to thicken.
4. The beef should come apart easily with a fork. If not, continue to cook in 15-minute intervals until soft.
5. Once the beef is soft and melting, stir through the sour cream to create a thick, creamy sauce.

Assemble pies

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced).
2. Fill your bowls/ramekins with the stroganoff.
3. Cut the sheet of puff pastry into four even squares.
4. Lay the puff pastry straight on top of the bowls/ramekins, and using your fingers, crimp the pastry around the outside of the bowl.
5. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the pies with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds and salt (optional).
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until pastry is golden and flaky.
7. Use oven mitts to remove the pies from the oven. Allow them to stand for 10 minutes before serving.