British Meat Pies for Bolton Food & Drink Festival Recipe

Introduction

These British meat pies bring a comforting taste of tradition straight to your kitchen. Filled with savory ground beef and herbs, wrapped in crisp shortcrust pastry, they make perfect handheld meals for any occasion.

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.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Step 5: Stir in beef broth and thyme; simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Fill each pastry-lined tin with the meat mixture, then top with another pastry circle. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
7. Step 7: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Place the pies 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 filling the pies.
• Use ready-made shortcrust pastry to save time without compromising taste.
• Swap ground beef with lamb or pork for a different twist.
• If you prefer a richer filling, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or grated cheese before baking.

Storage

You can store leftover meat pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these meat pies?

Yes, these meat pies freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the meat filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, fill and bake the pies as directed.

British Meat Pies for Bolton Food & Drink Festival Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 124 reviews

These classic British meat pies feature a flaky shortcrust pastry filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and thyme. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these pies are a hearty and comforting treat that showcase traditional British flavors, ideal for enjoying at the Bolton Food & Drink Festival or any cozy occasion.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 medium-sized pies 1x
• Category: Savory Pies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Other

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the pies evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare Pastry: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles large enough to line your pie tins as well as additional circles for the pie tops.
3. Cook Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become tender and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until it has browned completely. Stir in the beef broth and dried thyme, then simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly, intensifying the flavors.
4. Assemble Pies: Line each pie tin with a pastry circle, then spoon the meat mixture evenly into each. Top each pie with another pastry circle and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal in the filling.
5. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it generously over the top of each assembled pie. This will help give the crust a golden and glossy finish when baked.
6. Bake Pies: Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease in the pie filling.
• Make sure to seal the pastry edges well to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
• Allow pies to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and avoid burns.
• You can prepare the pies ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking for convenience.

Keywords: British meat pies, shortcrust pastry, ground beef pies, savory pies, Bolton Food & Drink Festival