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+ servings

Traditional Savory Scottish Baked Pie

A comforting, meat-and-veg pie with a crisp shortcrust top and a rich, gravy-filled center, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Serving Size 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb Lamb gives a more traditional, slightly gamier flavor.
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped.
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup beef stock or low-sodium stock.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup peas Fresh or frozen.
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced potatoes Small dice for even cooking.
  • 2 sheets shortcrust pastry Firm pastry that holds a crisp edge.
  • 1 egg beaten For egg wash.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Increase heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
  • Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the meat. Stir well to coat and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add 1 cup beef stock while stirring; bring to a simmer until the mixture thickens into gravy.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add 1 cup peas, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1 cup diced potatoes. Simmer about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are just tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Roll out one pastry sheet and line a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess pastry.
  • Spoon the meat-and-vegetable filling into the pastry-lined dish, leveling the top.
  • Roll out the second pastry sheet and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
  • Brush the top with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden and crisp. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve slices with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. Leftover pie is great for lunch; reheat in a toaster oven to keep the crust crisp.