Donovan’s Irish Pasties

A classic Irish-inspired dish featuring a flaky, golden crust filled with tender shredded beef, potatoes, and onions, served with a rich savory gravy. These handheld pasties are a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic and Hearty – A traditional Irish-style dish with a rustic, satisfying filling.
• Perfect Handheld Meal – Great for on-the-go meals, picnics, or a cozy dinner at home.
• Flaky, Buttery Crust – The homemade pastry is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Rich and Savory Gravy – The optional gravy adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the dough and filling in advance for easy assembly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pastry:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ cup cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 lb cooked and shredded beef (such as pot roast)
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Gravy (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Prepare the Pastry:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

5. In a bowl, combine the shredded beef, diced potatoes, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.

Assemble the Pasties:

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
8. Cut the dough into 6-inch circles.
9. Spoon a portion of the beef filling onto one side of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal.
11. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake the Pasties:

12. Place the pasties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Gravy (Optional):

13. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
14. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly.
15. Simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Serve:

16. Serve the pasties hot, drizzled with gravy for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 pasties
• Calories: 420 kcal per pasty

Variations

• Cheese Addition – Add shredded Irish cheddar to the filling for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Vegetarian Option – Replace the beef with mushrooms, carrots, and peas for a delicious meat-free version.
• Spicy Version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
• Different Meats – Try using ground lamb, chicken, or corned beef instead of shredded beef.
• Herb Butter Crust – Mix in a teaspoon of dried rosemary or parsley into the dough for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap unbaked or baked pasties individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.
• Reheating: Warm pasties in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

What is a pasty?

A pasty is a hand-held pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, similar to a turnover. It is commonly associated with Ireland and Cornwall.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Do I need to cook the potatoes before adding them to the filling?

No, the potatoes will cook while the pasties bake, becoming tender inside the crust.

Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Yes, you can use pre-made pie crust or puff pastry as a shortcut.

What’s the best beef for the filling?

Slow-cooked shredded beef, such as pot roast, works best for a tender and flavorful filling.

Can I make mini pasties?

Yes, you can cut smaller dough circles and reduce the baking time to 15-20 minutes.

What’s the best way to seal the edges?

Press the edges with a fork or crimp them by hand for a decorative look.

Can I add gravy inside the pasty?

It’s best to serve gravy on the side, as adding too much liquid inside may make the crust soggy.

How can I make the crust extra flaky?

Using very cold butter and handling the dough minimally will help achieve a flaky crust.

What can I serve with these pasties?

These go well with a side of mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Donovan’s Irish Pasties are a comforting, hearty dish with a buttery, flaky crust and a savory beef and potato filling. Whether served as a main dish or a satisfying snack, these handheld pies are a true taste of Irish tradition. Perfect for celebrations, family dinners, or meal prep, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.