If you’re in the mood for a comforting hand-held meal, this beef pasty recipe is just what you need. These delicious pastries are filled with seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and onions, all wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for lunch or dinner, they’re a classic dish that will satisfy your cravings and warm you up from the inside out.
Making beef pasties is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss of traditional sit-down dinners. Just grab one of these golden-brown pastries, and you have a satisfying meal that’s easy to eat on the go. Whether you’re packed for a picnic or need a quick weeknight dinner, these beef pasties are versatile and delicious, offering a taste of home-cooked goodness.
Understanding the Beef Pasty
The beef pasty is a hand-held pastry that has roots in British cuisine. Traditionally filled with seasoned ground beef, it also includes tender potatoes and onions, creating a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. This savory treat is encased in a flaky crust that offers a delightful contrast to the hearty filling inside.
Often enjoyed as a quick meal, the beef pasty can be a comforting option for lunch or dinner. Its portable nature makes it ideal for picnics and on-the-go dining, ensuring that you can savor a home-cooked meal wherever you are. The inviting aroma that wafts through the kitchen while they bake also adds to the charming experience of making these pastries.
The Flaky Crust
The crust of a beef pasty is essential to its character. It should be flaky and golden brown, providing the perfect exterior to hold the savory filling. A store-bought pie crust can simplify the process, but making your own from scratch can add a personal touch to these pastries.
Using the right ingredients and technique is crucial in achieving that perfect crust. It’s important to roll out the dough evenly and to ensure it’s not too thick, allowing the crust to bake properly and develop a delightful texture. Proper sealing and crimping of the edges also prevent the filling from leaking out during the baking process.
Filling Ingredients
The filling for the beef pasty is straightforward yet flavorful. Ground beef serves as the base, providing richness and protein. Alongside, diced potatoes add heartiness, while onions contribute sweetness and depth. Seasoning with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor profile, making each bite enjoyable.
Herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be included for an aromatic touch. These ingredients come together to create a filling that is both satisfying and comforting, reminiscent of home-cooked meals. It’s important that the filling is cooked just right, allowing the flavors to meld before being enveloped in the crust.
Preparation Steps
Preparation of beef pasties is a delightful process. It begins with cooking the filling in a skillet until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to develop before they are encased in the pastry.
Once the filling is ready, the next step involves rolling out the crust and cutting it into circles. A generous spoonful of the filling is placed on one half, and the other half is folded over and sealed. This assembly process is not only enjoyable but is also an opportunity to get creative with shapes and sizes.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the beef pasties is where the magic happens. Preheating the oven ensures that they cook evenly, and brushing the tops with a beaten egg gives them a beautiful golden finish. As they bake, a delightful aroma fills the kitchen, making the anticipation of enjoying these pastries even greater.
The ideal baking time ranges from 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven. Once they are golden brown, allowing them to cool slightly will enhance the experience of savoring the flaky crust and rich filling. Pairing beef pasties with a small bowl of dipping gravy elevates the meal, making it even more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving beef pasties, the options are varied. They can be enjoyed on their own for a simple meal or paired with a side salad for a more balanced dinner. The addition of dipping gravy enhances the flavors and adds a touch of warmth to each bite.
These pastries are versatile and can also be served as appetizers at gatherings or parties. Their hand-held nature makes them easy to share, inviting guests to indulge in a taste of this comforting dish. Whether you’re enjoying them at home with family or serving them to friends, beef pasties are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Easy and Delicious Beef Pasty Recipe
These beef pasties are savory pastries that combine tender ground beef with diced potatoes and onions for a filling and flavorful bite. The flaky crust provides the perfect contrast to the hearty filling, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 package of store-bought pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onions and diced potatoes to the skillet, and cook until the onions are translucent and potatoes are slightly tender. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut into circles (about 6-8 inches in diameter).
- Assemble the Pasties: Place a generous spoonful of the beef filling on one half of each crust circle, leaving a border. Fold the crust over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork for extra security.
- Brush with Egg: Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 pasties
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
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