British Meat Pies for Bolton Food Festival Recipe

Introduction

These delicious British meat pies are a classic comfort food, perfect for sharing at gatherings like the Bolton Food Festival. Crispy golden pastry filled with savory, seasoned beef makes each bite utterly satisfying and hearty.

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 added depth, try mixing in a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat filling.
• Use frozen shortcrust pastry for convenience; just thaw before rolling out.
• Swap thyme for rosemary or mixed herbs to change up the flavor profile.
• Leftover pie filling makes a great topping for mashed potatoes or as a hearty stew base.

Storage

Store leftover 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 about 10-15 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for the filling?

Yes, ground lamb or pork can be used as substitutes or combined with beef for a richer flavor.

How can I make the pastry extra flaky?

Keep the pastry cold while working with it and avoid over-handling. Chilling the assembled pies before baking also helps create a flakier crust.

British Meat Pies for Bolton Food Festival Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 143 reviews

These classic British Meat Pies are perfect for any occasion, featuring a rich, savory ground beef filling encased in a flaky shortcrust pastry. Ideal for the Bolton Food Festival, this recipe is simple to make and yields perfectly golden, comforting pies with a delicious homemade taste.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 medium-sized meat 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

Topping

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meat pies.
2. Prepare the pastry: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface until it reaches about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cutter or a glass to cut circles that will fit your pie tins, which will be the base of each pie.
3. Cook the filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they soften and become tender. Add the lean ground beef and cook until it is thoroughly browned. Stir in the beef broth and dried thyme, then let the mixture simmer until it thickens nicely.
4. Assemble the pies: Line the pie tins with the pastry circles, then spoon the meat mixture evenly into each. Cover each with another pastry circle and crimp the edges securely using a fork to seal in the filling.
5. Apply egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top pastry to give the pies a beautiful golden brown finish once baked.
6. Bake the pies: Place the prepared pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the pastry is well chilled before rolling to achieve a flaky crust.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer, vegetables like peas or carrots can be added to the filling for extra texture.
• Use a fork to crimp edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
• Let the pies cool for a few minutes before eating as the filling will be very hot.

Keywords: British meat pies, ground beef pies, shortcrust pastry recipes, Bolton Food Festival recipe, homemade meat pies, savory pie recipe