Flavorful and Hearty: Homemade Beef Pasties
Dive into the world of savory delights with our delicious Beef Pasties recipe. These golden parcels of flaky puff pastry are filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings, making them the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a gathering, these Beef Pasties are sure to impress. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this classic dish!
Ingredients:
For the pastries:
- 3 frozen puff pastry sheets, partially thawed
- 1 slightly beaten egg
For the filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 chopped celery sticks
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 diced carrot
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 diced potato
- 1.5 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the partially thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a small plate as a guide, cut out circles from the pastry sheets.
- Make Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, garlic, and carrot, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Seasonings and Thickener: Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, diced potato, and beef stock. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Add Peas: Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Assemble Pasties: Spoon a generous portion of the beef filling onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to create a decorative edge.
- Bake: Place the assembled pasties on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the beef pasties from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a main dish or snack.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor of the filling by adding herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika. Experiment with different seasoning blends to customize the taste to your liking.
- Include Other Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the filling mixture. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn are all delicious additions that complement the savory beef flavor.
- Make Mini Pasties: For bite-sized appetizers, use a smaller cutter to create mini pasties. These are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of Beef Pasties, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour as a thickener for the filling. Replace the puff pastry with a homemade keto pastry dough made from almond flour, cream cheese, and eggs.
- Low-Carb: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of potato used in the filling or omit it altogether. Increase the amount of low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini to add bulk and flavor to the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh puff pastry if you prefer. Just be sure to roll it out thinly and adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: Can I freeze the assembled pasties before baking? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled pasties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I reheat leftover pasties? A: Yes, leftover pasties can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as poultry tends to cook faster than beef.
Beef Pasties are a delicious and satisfying meal option that is perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pastry shell and flavorful beef filling, these homemade pasties are sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner or a convenient snack on the go, Beef Pasties are a versatile and delicious dish that will impress your taste buds. Give this recipe a try in your kitchen and savor the comfort and flavor of these delightful parcels!
