Marilyn'S English Pasties

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 14 Cuisine: British

Marilyn's English Pasties are hearty handheld pastries filled with seasoned meat, potatoes, and onions, perfect for a satisfying meal or picnic, offering rich, savory flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 14 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 pounds Crisco
  • 4 1/2 cups water
  • 1 pound onions, diced
  • 5 pounds meat, cut small (beef stew or chuck roast)
  • 14 pounds potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, salt, and Crisco to prepare the dough.
  2. Combine well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add water gradually, mixing as little as necessary, and use minimal flour when rolling out the dough.
  4. Divide the dough into portions and roll into circles.
  5. Fill each circle with a mixture of meat, potatoes, and onions, then fold and seal the edges.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  7. Make a small slit in the top of each pastie before baking.
  8. After removing from the oven, insert a mixture of 1 teaspoon oleo and 1/2 teaspoon water into each slit.
  9. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier crust, consider using half butter and half Crisco. If you're short on time, pre-made pie crusts can be a convenient substitute, though the texture will differ. When filling the pasties, ensure the meat and potatoes are cut small to cook evenly. Experiment with adding herbs or spices for extra flavor, or consider pairing with a side of Dilled Cucumber Salad for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pasties warm with a side of gravy or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor. They pair wonderfully with a simple salad, like a Dilled Cucumber Salad, for a refreshing contrast. These pasties are also great for picnics or as a hearty snack, making them versatile for any occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover pasties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining the crispiness of the crust. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just ensure they're well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marilyn'S English Pasties contains roughly 1635 calories, with 33g protein, 259g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 969mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

1635 kcal 82% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 32.6g 65% DV
Total Fat 51.9g 67% DV
Carbs 258.7g 94% DV
Fiber 18.6g 66% DV
Sugar 9.5g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 968.9mg 42% DV
Potassium 3042mg 65% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 102.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 112.6mg 9% DV
Iron 10.9mg 60% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to use it, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out. This helps to relax the gluten and makes it easier to work with.

What type of meat works best for pasties?

Beef stew meat or chuck roast are traditional choices due to their flavor and tenderness when cooked. However, you can also use ground meat or even a mixture of meats. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a medley of hearty vegetables.

How can I ensure my pasties don’t leak while baking?

To prevent leaks, make sure to seal the edges of each pasty properly by crimping with a fork or twisting the edges. Additionally, avoid overfilling them, as the filling expands during baking. A small slit on top allows steam to escape and reduces the risk of bursting.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →