magine a dish so comforting, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Our Golden Crusted Beef and Potato Pie is just that – a hearty, satisfying pie with a beautifully golden crust, encasing a savory mixture of minced beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices. Every bite brings together a blend of textures and flavors that harmonize perfectly, creating a memorable and comforting dining experience.
This pie is more than just food; it’s a story of tradition and the joy of home cooking, brought to life right in your kitchen. There’s something special about rolling out dough, smelling onions and beef as they cook together, and taking pride in creating a dish from simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family, sharing it with friends, or savoring a slice all by yourself, this pie is sure to make every moment a little bit more special. Serve it warm, with love, and perhaps a side salad for a perfect meal that will quickly become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 480g (3½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 100g (7 tbsp) butter, cold and diced
- 1 glass (about 150ml) cold water
For the Filling:
- 300g (10½ oz) minced beef
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 80g (5 tbsp) fat (such as lard, shortening, or butter)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing the crust)
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 480g of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the 100g of cold, diced butter, cutting it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your hands until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the butter to firm up, giving you a flaky crust.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet or pan, heat 80g of fat (lard or shortening) over medium heat.
- Add the 2 finely chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the 300g of minced beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced potato, along with 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough into a large circle that will fit your pie dish, allowing some overhang. Gently transfer the dough into the dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
- Spoon the cooled beef and potato filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Roll out the remaining third of the dough to form the top crust. Place it over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. You can use a fork or your fingers to create a decorative edge.
- Optional: Make a small slit in the center of the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake the Pie:
- Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg yolk for a glossy, golden finish.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture (optional).
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period will help the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, perhaps with a light side salad or steamed vegetables, and enjoy the smiles of everyone at the table!
Cooking Tips:
- Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough cold before baking helps achieve a flakier crust, as the cold butter creates air pockets when it melts during baking.
- Cook the Filling Thoroughly: Ensure the potatoes are tender before baking the pie, as they won’t soften much more in the oven.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add additional spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or herbs like thyme for an extra flavor boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 28g
Final Thoughts:
The Golden Crusted Beef and Potato Pie is more than just comfort food; it’s a dish that brings people together, creating memories around the dinner table. Its golden, buttery crust and savory filling make it a delightful meal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich flavors of cumin, tender beef, and creamy potatoes guarantees that this pie will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Share it with loved ones, and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness in every bite.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6