Cornish Pasty with Beef and Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 British cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cornish Pasty with Beef and Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (45 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cornish Pasty with Beef and Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cornish Pasty with Beef and Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cornish Pasty with Beef and Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cornish Pasty with Beef and Root Vegetables?

British beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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