British Beef Meat Pies Recipe

Introduction

British meat pies are a classic comfort food, perfect for any occasion. This recipe creates hearty, flavorful pies with a tender shortcrust pastry and savory beef filling. Ideal for enjoying on a chilly day or serving at a festival.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shortcrust pastry
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut circles to line your pie tins.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until tender. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in beef broth and thyme; simmer until thickened.
4. Step 4: Fill each pastry-lined tin with the meat mixture, then top with another pastry circle. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen shortcrust pastry for convenience, just thaw before rolling.
• Add diced mushrooms or peas to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Substitute dried thyme with fresh herbs like rosemary for a different aroma.
• Let the beef mixture cool slightly before filling to prevent soggy pastry.

Storage

Store leftover meat pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. You can also freeze the pies for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for the filling?

Yes, ground lamb or pork can be used as alternatives. Adjust seasoning as needed to complement the different meats.

How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Ensure the filling is well-cooked and not too watery before filling the pastry. You can also brush the pastry with a thin layer of egg wash or melted butter before adding the filling to create a barrier.

British Beef Meat Pies Recipe

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4.6 from 107 reviews

These traditional British Meat Pies are perfect for a hearty and comforting meal. With a crispy shortcrust pastry and a savory, thyme-infused beef filling, these pies are ideal for sharing at the Bolton Food & Drink Festival or enjoying anytime you crave classic British flavors.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 medium meat pies 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 2 cups shortcrust pastry

Filling

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Finishing

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the meat pies.
2. Prepare Pastry: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cutter or a bowl to cut circles large enough to line your pie tins.
3. Cook Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until tender and translucent. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned thoroughly. Stir in the beef broth and dried thyme, then reduce heat and simmer the mixture until it thickens into a rich filling.
4. Assemble Pies: Line each pie tin with a pastry circle. Spoon the thickened meat mixture into the pastry. Cover the filling with another pastry circle and seal the edges by crimping with a fork to prevent leaking during baking.
5. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the pies. This will create a beautiful golden and shiny finish once baked.
6. Bake Pies: Place the assembled pies onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can use homemade beef broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling.
• Ensure the filling is thickened before filling the pies to avoid soggy pastry.
• Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving to ensure the filling sets properly.
• These pies can be frozen before baking; simply thaw and bake as directed.

Keywords: British meat pies, shortcrust pastry, ground beef pies, savory pies, Bolton Food & Drink Festival