Hearty Beef & Potato Hand Pies
Indulge in these delightful Hearty Beef & Potato Hand Pies, a British classic that combines savory minced beef and creamy mashed potatoes, all encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfectly sized for picnics, brunch, lunch, or a cozy snack, these robust hand pies are a handheld feast that you can enjoy warm or cold. With the ability to prep ahead, freeze, and reheat, they are incredibly convenient for busy days. Serve them with your favorite pickles, chutneys, or a side salad for a satisfying meal. The recipe can also be adapted for a larger family-style pie, making it versatile for any occasion.
6
Servings
367
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
White potato
1 lb (peeled, diced, and boiled)
Milk
2-3 tablespoons (for mashing potatoes)
Butter
2 ounces (for mashing potatoes)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Minced beef
1 lb
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
White onions
2 (peeled and diced finely)
Garlic clove
1-2 (peeled and crushed (optional))
Canned tomatoes
15 ounces
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon
Beef stock
1/2 pint (made with a stock cube)
Mixed herbs
1 teaspoon
Tomato puree
1 tablespoon (optional)
Puff pastry
2 (9 ounce) packets
Flour
for dusting
Butter
for greasing
Eggs
1 (beaten well)
Sea salt
for sprinkling
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into even-sized chunks. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are very tender but not mushy.
2
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash until completely smooth and firm; set aside.
3
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onions. If using garlic, add that as well. Sauté for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
4
Add the minced beef to the pan, adding more oil if necessary. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring continuously to break apart any lumps until fully browned.
5
Stir in the canned tomatoes, soy sauce, mixed herbs, and a generous amount of black pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes while gradually adding the beef stock.
6
Remove the pan from heat, then combine the beef mixture with the sautéed onions in the mixing bowl. Mix until well combined, then fold in the mashed potatoes. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.
7
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or gas mark 7. Grease the 5-inch pie tins (or a single 9-inch pie plate).
8
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Using a saucer or large cookie cutter, cut out six circles for the pastry bottoms, then cut out the corresponding lids.
9
Fit the pastry bottoms into the tins, filling them generously with the beef and potato mixture. Moisten the edges with water before placing the pastry lids on top. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal.
10
Cut a couple of slits in the top of each pie for steam to escape and brush with the beaten egg or milk. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Serve warm or cold alongside your favorite condiments.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
40g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Beef & Potato Hand Pies?
They are a British classic made with savory minced beef and creamy mashed potatoes encased in golden puff pastry.
What kind of pastry is used for these hand pies?
This recipe uses two 9-ounce packets of puff pastry for a light and flaky crust.
Can I freeze these beef and potato pies?
Yes, these hand pies are freezer-friendly and can be prepped ahead, frozen, and then reheated when needed.
How many hand pies does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 individual hand pies using 5-inch pie tins.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or gas mark 7 for the best results.
How long should I bake the hand pies?
Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Can these hand pies be eaten cold?
Yes, they are versatile and can be enjoyed either warm or cold, making them great for picnics.
What side dishes go well with these pies?
They pair well with pickles, chutneys, or a fresh side salad.
Is it possible to make one large pie instead of hand pies?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted to fit a single 9-inch pie plate for a family-style meal.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each hand pie provides about 16g of protein.
How long do I need to boil the potatoes?
Boil the diced white potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are very tender but not mushy.
How should the onions be prepared?
Peel and dice two white onions finely, then sauté them for 15-20 minutes until soft and golden brown.
Is garlic a required ingredient?
Garlic is optional, but you can add 1-2 crushed cloves for extra flavor.
What liquids are used in the beef filling?
The filling uses canned tomatoes, soy sauce, and 1/2 pint of beef stock.
How do I prevent the pastry from leaking?
Moisten the edges of the pastry with water before sealing and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
Why should I cut slits in the top of the pastry?
Cutting a couple of slits allows steam to escape while the pies are baking.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing the pies with beaten egg or milk before baking gives them a golden, glossy finish.
How much minced beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of minced beef.
Can I add extra flavor to the filling?
Yes, you can optionally stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato puree for a richer taste.
What kind of potatoes work best?
White potatoes are recommended for their ability to mash smoothly.
What do I use to mash the potatoes?
Mash the boiled potatoes with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and 2 ounces of butter.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 13g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for these pies?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I salt the pastry?
The recipe suggests lightly sprinkling the tops with sea salt after the egg wash and before baking.
How do I cut the pastry circles?
Use a saucer or a large cookie cutter on a floured surface to cut six bottoms and six corresponding lids.
Can I use a stock cube for the beef stock?
Yes, you can make the required 1/2 pint of beef stock using a standard stock cube.
When should I add the mashed potatoes to the beef?
After the beef mixture has simmered and been combined with the sautéed onions, fold in the mashed potatoes.
What oil should I use for frying the beef?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What are the 'mixed herbs' mentioned in the recipe?
You can use a standard dried mixed herb blend, typically containing herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley.