Cornish Pasty with Beef and Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-08 · Updated 2026-05-08

Handheld Cornish pasties filled with seasoned beef, potatoes, swede, and onions enveloped in a flaky golden pastry, ideal for a hearty British lunch. This british-inspired beef ready in about 85 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, cubed cold unsalted butter, ice water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 12 tbsp, cubed cold unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 lb beef chuck, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup swede (rutabaga), peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1, beaten for glaze egg yolk

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour with 12 tbsp cold unsalted butter cubes. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: Gradually add 1/2 cup ice water and mix with a fork until the dough just comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the dough chills, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb diced beef chuck and brown for 5-6 minutes until sealed but not fully cooked.
4. Step 4: Add 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 medium peeled and diced potato, and 1 cup diced swede to the beef. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften slightly. Remove from heat and cool.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide chilled dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a 7-inch circle on a floured surface.
6. Step 6: Place a sixth of the beef and vegetable mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges firmly to seal.
7. Step 7: Brush each pasty with 1 beaten egg yolk for a glossy finish. Place pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
9. Step 9: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving a classic Cornish pasty.