Nothing brings warmth to the table like a batch of homemade beef pasties. Encased in a golden, flaky crust, these handheld pastries are packed with a savory blend of ground beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, quick lunch, or even a picnic treat, these pasties offer a satisfying bite of comfort food in every mouthful.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you stick to the traditional beef and vegetable filling or experiment with different flavors, these pasties are a timeless classic that can be customized to suit your taste. Serve them warm with a side of mustard or gravy for an extra indulgent experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, potato, carrot, and peas. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pasties: Roll out the chilled dough and cut into 6-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling onto one half of each circle. Fold over, crimp the edges to seal, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush pasties with beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The History of Beef Pasties
Beef pasties have a long and rich history, originating in Cornwall, England, where they were a staple meal for miners in the 17th and 18th centuries. Known as Cornish pasties, these savory hand pies were designed to be a portable and filling meal that could be eaten without utensils. The thick, crimped crust served as a handle, which miners could hold with dirty hands and discard after eating. Today, pasties remain a beloved dish in the UK and are popular in many parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasties
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Use Cold Butter for a Flaky Crust
- Keeping the butter cold when making the dough ensures a tender and flaky texture. For best results, cube the butter and chill it before mixing. Some bakers even freeze the butter and grate it into the flour.
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Chill the Dough
- After mixing, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the pastry from shrinking when baked and makes it easier to roll out.
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Pre-Cook the Filling for Enhanced Flavor
- Cooking the ground beef and vegetables before assembling the pasties enhances the flavors and ensures even cooking. If using raw filling, you risk unevenly cooked vegetables.
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Seal the Edges Properly
- To avoid leaks while baking, crimp the edges tightly using a fork or by hand. You can also brush a little beaten egg or water along the edges before sealing to create a stronger bond.
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Don’t Skip the Egg Wash
- Brushing the pasties with an egg wash (beaten egg + a splash of water or milk) before baking gives them a beautiful golden brown crust.
Global Popularity of Pasties
✅ United States – Pasties are especially popular in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP), where they were introduced by Cornish immigrants who worked in local mines. They are now a beloved local dish.
✅ Australia & New Zealand – Known as meat pies, variations of pasties are sold in bakeries and as street food.
✅ Mexico – Similar to empanadas, Mexican pasties called “pastes” were introduced by Cornish miners in Hidalgo, Mexico.
✅ Finland & Russia – Similar pies called Karelian pasties or pirozhki are filled with meat, rice, or potatoes.
How to Serve Beef Pasties
✅ Traditional Style – Enjoy warm, fresh from the oven, as a hearty meal or snack.
✅ With Dipping Sauces – Serve with gravy, ketchup, mustard, or a creamy garlic dip.
✅ As a Complete Meal – Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-balanced meal.
✅ With Soup – Perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup, potato leek soup, or beef stew.
✅ On-the-Go Lunch – Pack in lunchboxes for a quick, handheld meal.
Variations of Beef Pasties
You can customize the filling based on your taste preferences or dietary needs:
Meat-Based Variations
✅ Steak & Ale Pasty – Use diced steak and dark ale sauce for a rich, British-inspired twist.
✅ Lamb & Mint Pasty – Replace beef with ground lamb and fresh mint for a Mediterranean flavor.
✅ Spicy Beef Pasty – Add chili powder, cumin, or jalapeños for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian & Vegan Variations
✅ Cheese & Onion Pasty – A vegetarian version with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and mashed potatoes.
✅ Mushroom & Spinach Pasty – Packed with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese.
✅ Vegan Pasty – Swap the butter for vegan margarine, and use a filling of lentils, carrots, potatoes, and onions.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Pasties
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze (Unbaked Pasties): Place uncooked pasties on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Freeze (Baked Pasties): Cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Pasties
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for best crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, but note that the crust will soften instead of staying crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
⭐ Authentic & Traditional – A classic British comfort food with a homemade touch.
⭐ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for easy weeknight meals.
⭐ Handheld & Portable – Great for on-the-go lunches, picnics, or road trips.
⭐ Versatile Filling – Swap ingredients to create different flavors and variations.
FAQs About Beef Pasties
1. Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
Yes! While homemade dough gives the flakiest results, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry for convenience.
2. Can I make pasties gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough and ensure your fillings are gluten-free.
3. Can I add cheese to my pasties?
Yes! Adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère cheese makes the filling even richer and more indulgent.
4. How do I prevent my pasties from bursting open?
- Avoid overfilling them.
- Crimp the edges tightly and use an egg wash to help seal them.
- Poke small air vents in the top to release steam.
Conclusion
Beef pasties are a delicious, comforting meal that has stood the test of time. Whether you stick to the classic Cornish-style recipe or customize it with your own favorite fillings, they are always a satisfying and flavorful choice. These hand pies are perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and easy to take on the go.