British Meat Pies for Bolton Food & Drink Festival Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the pies evenly and thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
