British Meat Pies for Bolton Food & Drink Festival Recipe

Introduction

British meat pies are a comforting classic, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a hearty meal. This recipe combines savory ground beef with herbs, encased in flaky shortcrust pastry for a deliciously satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shortcrust pastry
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut circles to line your pie tins.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until tender. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in beef broth and thyme; simmer until thickened.
4. Step 4: Fill each pastry-lined tin with the meat mixture, then top with another pastry circle. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture before cooking.
• Use frozen shortcrust pastry if short on time—just thaw before rolling.
• Mix in finely chopped mushrooms or carrots with the beef for added texture and nutrients.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms.

Storage

Store cooled meat pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crisp pastry. You can also freeze uncooked pies for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground lamb, pork, or a mixture of meats to suit your taste.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure the meat filling is thickened well before filling the pies to reduce excess moisture. Blind baking the pastry base briefly can also help maintain a crisp crust.

British Meat Pies for Bolton Food & Drink Festival Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These traditional British Meat Pies are hearty and flavorful, featuring a rich ground beef filling seasoned with thyme, enveloped in a flaky shortcrust pastry. Perfect for a savory snack or a comforting meal, these pies are baked to a golden perfection and make a delightful addition to any food festival or cozy dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 2 cups shortcrust pastry
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Filling

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out the shortcrust pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a cutter or a bowl, cut circles large enough to line your pie tins.
2. Cook the filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and translucent. Add the lean ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned. Stir in the beef broth and dried thyme, then simmer the mixture until it thickens, developing a rich, savory filling.
3. Assemble the pies: Line each pie tin with a pastry circle. Spoon the meat filling evenly into each lined tin. Cover with another pastry circle, sealing the edges securely by crimping with a fork to prevent leakage during baking.
4. Apply egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it generously over the top pastry layers. This will give the pies a beautiful golden, glossy finish once baked.
5. Bake the pies: Place the filled pie tins onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve: Remove the pies from the oven, allow them to cool slightly, and serve warm for a delicious savory treat.

Notes

• Ensure the filling is not too wet before filling the pies to prevent soggy pastry.
• Shortcrust pastry can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based mince.
• Let the pies cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Savory Pies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: British meat pies, savory pies, ground beef pie, traditional British recipe, shortcrust pastry pie