Golden, flaky pastry filled with tender beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots. These hearty pasties are easy to make at home and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- ½ lb beef chuck, finely diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Pastry
- Combine the flour and salt in a bowl.
- Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead gently until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
- Lightly brown the beef in a skillet.
- Add the potatoes, onion, and carrot.
- Cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
- Remove from the heat and let the filling cool.
3. Assemble the Pasties
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the dough into equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a circle.
- Place some filling on one half of each circle, leaving a border around the edge.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a half-moon.
- Press and crimp the edges firmly to seal.
- Place the pasties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cut a small slit in the top of each pasty.
- Brush with beaten egg.
4. Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Let the pasties rest for a few minutes before serving.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Pasties
- Keep the butter and water cold for a flaky pastry.
- Don’t overfill the pasties.
- Make sure the edges are firmly sealed.
- Let the filling cool before assembling.
- Use a small slit on top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
🥩 Filling Variations
You can customize the filling with:
- Beef and potato
- Beef, onion, and rutabaga
- Beef and carrots
- Mushroom and vegetable
- Chicken and potato
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooled pasties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and crisp.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve Cornish beef pasties warm with:
- Gravy
- Green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Pickles or chutney
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pasties ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Cornish beef pasties?
Yes. Freeze baked or unbaked pasties individually and store in a freezer-safe container.
Can I change the filling?
Absolutely. You can add or substitute vegetables according to your preference.
How do I get a golden crust?
Brush the assembled pasties generously with beaten egg before baking.
Why is my pastry soggy?
Avoid using an overly wet filling, don’t overfill the pastry, and make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
🥟 Homemade Cornish Beef Pasties
These homemade pasties are simple, filling, and delicious. With flaky pastry and a savory beef-and-vegetable filling, they’re a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead.