Why this Cornish Beef Pasties Recipe is a Keeper

This traditional cornish pasty recipe is a take on one that I saw on the Great British Bakeoff. I find that show truly addicting, just like these pasties.

Originally created for miners to take for their lunches, the history is long and varied.

• Quick Meal: The recipe takes time but can be made in quantities and frozen for use anytime you need a quick meal.
• Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry and all family favorites.
• Adaptable: Can be made with any ingredients that you have on hand.The traditional way to make the crust for a Cornish pasty is to use a combination of butter and lard. Lard helps create a flaky, tender crust, which is a hallmark of a good pasty. However, many modern recipes use all butter or even vegan alternatives like shortening.
• Versatile: The recipe can be easily adapted or customized to suit different tastes.
• Freezes Well: It’s great for making ahead and freezing for later.
• Comforting Dish: It has a comforting, homey feel that makes you want to return to it.

What is a Pasty Hand Pie?

A pasty is a type of baked pastry, typically filled with meat and vegetables. It’s a popular dish in the United Kingdom, particularly associated with Cornwall, England.

Ingredient Notes to Make Beef Pasties

Pasties, a beloved British treat, are a staple in the coal mine region where I live. These savory pastries, filled with hearty ingredients, are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Ground Beef: The cornish pasties meat pie is made with a nice 80/20 blend of beef.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Special Equipment Needed for the Beef Pasties

• Food Processor: No need to hand whisk. The food processor makes short work of the dough.

How to Make Cornish Beef Pasties Recipe

Pasties were originally designed to be portable and hearty meals for cornish miners, who would take them down into the mines for lunch. The crimped edge served as a handle and was often discarded after eating, as it would become dirty from the working conditions.

These are the basic easy to follow steps for making these hand pies filled with meat and veggies. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

1. Make the Pastry Crust

First, add the flour, shortening and salt to the bowl of a food processor and then pulse until mixture resembles crumbs. Then slowly add water until ball of dough forms a ball.  Then remove dough ball from food processor and wrap in plastic wrap and then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Make Savory Filling

Next, combine all of the filling ingredients in a bowl and mix. Meanwhile, place potato slices in ice water. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and next line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper.

3. Form the Pie

Remove chilled dough to a lightly floured work surface. Then take a 1/2 cup portion of dough and roll into and 8 inch circle or use a pastry cutter. Place 1/3 cup of filling inside on half of the dough circle, leaving about 1/4 inch margin, second, a single layer of potato slices on top of meat mixture and finally season and 1 teaspoon butter. 

4. Place on a Prepared Baking Sheet

Fold dough without filling on top of the meat mixture to form a half circle.  Crimp the edges together tightly using a fork. Transfer to baking sheet and then use a sharp knife to cut three slits in the top of the pasty. Brush the edges with beaten egg wash on top of each pasty. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Finally, bake for 1 hour, or until golden brown.

Variations and Substitutions for Beef Pasty Recipes

You can replace the beef mixture with any type of mince meat. Such as ground pork, turkey, chicken or lamb.

• Vegetarian: Potatoes, carrots, peas, and cheese for a vegetable filling.
• Seafood: Salmon, cod, or shrimp with potatoes and vegetables.
• Spicy: Add chili peppers or hot sauce to your filling for a fiery kick.
• Sweet: Fill your pasties with fruit, such as apples, berries, or rhubarb, and a touch of sugar and cinnamon.

Cornish Pasty Shop Recipe FAQs