Beef and Veg Pasties Recipe For Easy Homemade Meals

Updated On: October 5, 2025

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines tender beef and vibrant vegetables wrapped in a flaky pastry, then beef and veg pasties are the perfect dish for you. These traditional British-style hand pies are not only incredibly filling but also portable, making them an excellent choice for lunchboxes, picnics, or a cozy dinner at home.

The beautiful golden crust encases a savory filling packed with ground beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and a touch of seasoning that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

Making your own pasties from scratch might seem daunting, but this recipe breaks it down into easy steps, ensuring you’ll have delicious, homemade pasties in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to baking, these beef and veg pasties will quickly become a family favorite.

Plus, they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and sauces, adding versatility to your weekly meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and veg pasties are a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced meal all in one bite. The combination of rich, savory beef with fresh vegetables offers a satisfying flavor profile that’s both classic and comforting.

These pasties are:

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
  • Perfectly portable for on-the-go meals or packed lunches.
  • Customizable — you can swap out vegetables or add your favorite herbs and spices.
  • Great for meal prep since they keep well in the fridge or freezer.

Plus, making your own pastry means you can enjoy that buttery, flaky crust without any preservatives or additives. If you love comfort food with a wholesome twist, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

  • For the pastry:
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
    • 6-8 tbsp ice water
  • For the filling:
    • 1 lb ground beef (preferably chuck for flavor)
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
    • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
    • 1 celery stalk, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ cup beef broth
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tsp dried thyme
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork (for crimping edges)

Instructions

  1. Make the pastry: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add ice water: Gradually pour in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
  3. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
  4. Prepare the filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess fat if necessary.
  5. Add vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, carrot, potato, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  6. Season and simmer: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes until the liquid reduces and the filling is thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about ⅛ inch thickness. Cut out 6-8 circles approximately 6-7 inches in diameter.
  8. Assemble the pasties: Spoon a generous amount of the beef and veg filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge. Brush the edges with a little beaten egg.
  9. Seal the pasties: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and crimp decoratively.
  10. Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of each pasty with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
  11. Bake: Place the pasties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
  12. Cool and serve: Allow the pasties to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite sides or sauces.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra flaky crust, keep your butter and water as cold as possible. You can even chill your mixing bowl before starting!”

  • Vegetable swaps: Feel free to substitute the carrot and potato with parsnips, peas, or sweet potatoes for a different flavor twist.
  • Seasoning variations: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin for a smoky, earthy note.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms for a filling vegan option.
  • Freezing tips: Assemble the pasties but don’t bake them. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Pastie (1 of 6)
Calories 380 kcal
Protein 22 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 350 mg

Serving Suggestions

Beef and veg pasties are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Serve warm with a side of Kansas City Coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
  • Pair with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasties.
  • Add a dollop of mustard or horseradish sauce on the side for a spicy kick.
  • Enjoy alongside a cup of homemade soup such as a classic tomato or vegetable broth.

Conclusion

Making beef and veg pasties at home is a rewarding culinary experience that brings together the best of savory flavors and flaky pastry textures. This recipe is designed to be approachable, allowing you to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

From the rich, seasoned beef filling to the crisp, buttery crust, each pasty delivers a comforting bite that’s sure to please the whole family.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to make the recipe your own. And if you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other hearty dishes like Kosher Short Ribs Recipe, a delightful Magic Dough Recipe for your baking adventures, or the flavorful and easy Jamaican Recipes With Ground Beef for a twist on minced beef meals.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Veg Pasties

Description: A classic British pastry filled with seasoned beef and mixed vegetables. Perfect for a hearty meal or snack.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 500g minced beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 100g peas
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 400g shortcrust pastry
  • 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Heat oil in a pan and cook onion until soft.
  3. Add minced beef and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in carrot, potato, peas, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Roll out pastry and cut into 4 circles.
  6. Divide beef mixture among pastry circles.
  7. Fold pastry over filling and seal edges.
  8. Brush pasties with beaten egg.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 35 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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