British Beef Meat Pies Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the meat pies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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