Description
These traditional British Meat Pies are a delightful savory treat perfect for the Bolton Food & Drink Festival. Featuring tender ground beef seasoned with aromatic thyme and garlic, encased in a flaky shortcrust pastry, this recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful pie that’s both satisfying and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the dried thyme and pour in the beef broth. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into rounds or squares large enough to fit your pie tins or molds.
- Assemble the Pies: Place the pastry rounds into greased pie tins or muffin tins. Spoon the cooled beef filling into each pastry shell. Cover each filled pie with another pastry piece, sealing the edges by pressing or crimping with a fork to prevent leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg. This will give the pies a beautiful golden-brown finish after baking.
- Bake the Pies: Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, hearty British Meat Pies!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor.
- For a richer filling, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine during cooking.
- Make sure to prick holes or vents in the top pastry layer to allow steam to escape while baking.
- If desired, vegetables like peas or diced carrots can be added to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
- Leftover pies can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
Keywords: British meat pies, traditional British recipe, beef pies, Bolton Food & Drink Festival, savory pastries