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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
