Classic Cornish Beef Pasties

Classic Cornish beef pasties are hearty, rustic hand pies filled with tender beef, potatoes, onion, and swede (rutabaga), all wrapped in a flaky golden crust. Originally made for miners in Cornwall, these pasties are now a beloved comfort food — perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Their sturdy pastry keeps the filling juicy while baking everything together for rich, traditional flavor.

⏱ Prep Time

• Prep: 30 minutes

• Chill dough: 30 minutes

• Bake: 45–50 minutes

• Total: ~1 hour 50 minutes

Servings: 4 large pasties

🍳 Equipment

• Mixing bowl

• Rolling pin

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Knife & chopping board

🥐 Ingredients

Pastry

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ¾ cup cold butter (cubed)

• ½–⅔ cup cold water

Filling

• 400 g (14 oz) beef skirt or chuck steak, finely diced

• 1 medium potato, peeled & small diced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup diced rutabaga (optional but traditional)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp butter (small pieces)

Finish

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

🥣 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Dough

1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.

2. Rub in cold butter until crumbly.

3. Add cold water gradually until dough forms.

4. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare Filling

1. Combine diced beef, potato, onion, rutabaga, salt, and pepper.

2. Keep raw — it cooks inside the pastry (traditional method).

3️⃣ Assemble Pasties

1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.

2. Divide dough into 4 portions.

3. Roll each into an 8–9 inch circle.

4. Place filling on one half of each circle.

5. Dot with small butter pieces.

6. Fold over and seal edges firmly.

7. Crimp edges (classic Cornish side crimp).

4️⃣ Bake

1. Place on lined baking sheet.

2. Brush with beaten egg.

3. Bake 45–50 minutes until deep golden.

Cool slightly before serving.

🍽 Nutrition (Approx per pasty)

• Calories: ~620

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 55g

• Fat: 32g

⭐ Tips for Perfect Pasties

✔ Dice filling small so it cooks evenly
✔ Keep butter & water cold for flaky pastry
✔ Don’t overfill or sealing becomes difficult
✔ Let rest 10 minutes before eating (juices settle)

🔄 Variations

• Add chopped parsley or thyme

• Use shortcrust pastry for easier handling

• Swap beef for chicken or lamb

• Add grated cheddar for a modern twist