Upper Michigan Pasty: The Ultimate Recipe for Authentic Flavor

My husband’s family has roots in the Upper Peninsula, so making an Upper Michigan Pasty was pretty much a rite of passage. If you’ve never had a pasty (pronounced pass-tee), it’s like a hearty meat-and-potato hand pie—a Yooper favorite that dates back to the 1800s.

These filling pockets were originally made for copper miners who needed a hot, portable lunch that could survive the morning in their coat pocket. My husband’s grandma made them for her family, and we were lucky enough to find her handwritten recipe.

We’ve now made them part of our own kitchen traditions—and I hope they’ll become part of yours too. For more nostalgic meals like this one, head over to the Comfort Foods recipe collection.

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Quick Summary of a Yooper Pasty

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
• Step 2: Cut steak and veggies into bite-sized cubes, then mix with olive oil.
• Step 3: Make dough and roll out into a 12-inch circle.
• Step 4: Place 1 cup of filling on one half of the dough and fold it over.
• Step 5: Bake for 1 hour, cool, and serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough

• 8 cups all-purpose flour + extra for rolling – A sturdy base for the flaky, tender pasty crust.
• 1 lb lard – Traditional and rich, it creates that signature flaky texture.
• 3 tbsp salt – Enhances the flavor of the crust and balances the richness of the lard.
• 2¼ cups milk – Adds moisture and helps bind the dough into a pliable, workable consistency.

Filling

• 3 lbs red potatoes, cubed – Hearty and mild, they hold their shape well when baked.
• 2 cups sweet onions, cubed – Add a touch of sweetness and balance to the savory filling.
• 2 cups rutabaga, cubed – Classic pasty flavor; earthy and slightly peppery with a firm bite.
• 1 lb round steak, cubed – A traditional, flavorful cut that cooks up tender inside the crust.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps the filling stay moist and adds a bit of richness.
• Salt, to taste – Season to your preference and bring out all the filling’s natural flavors.
• Pepper, to taste – Adds a subtle kick that ties everything together.
• 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional) – A colorful and slightly sweet addition if you like a veggie boost.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Make a UP Pasty

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and prepare your baking sheets. You will need to work in batches because these pasties are pretty big. I fit 3-4 on each baking sheet, so needless to say, this was a whole afternoon project. It is a great meal to prep ahead of time and freeze because this recipe makes 12

Cut the steak and veggies into bite-sized cubes. These measurements can be played with a bit, so if you prefer more or less of some of the veggies, go for it! Mix the cut steak and veggies in a bowl with olive oil and set aside.

To make the pocket dough, combine flour, lard, and salt using a pastry blender until crumbly. A pastry blender is such a simple-looking tool, but it makes cutting in lard, butter, tallow, etc., so much easier when you’re making things like this.

To make each dough pocket, combine 1 cup of crumble with 3 Tbsp of milk with a fork or your hands. I found that using my hands was the easiest. In the recipe I followed, my husband’s grandma said to make each dough ball separately to make sure the dough didn’t dry out.

I made two at a time to make it go a little faster (2 cups crumble & 6 Tbsp milk). Roll out each dough ball with extra flour until it is about 12 inches in diameter.

Put 1 cup of the meat and veggie filling on one side of the pocket and fold the other half over the filling. Fold and pinch the edges of the pocket to seal in the filling and place on a baking sheet.

I love my cast-iron baking sheet. It is heavy, but I love knowing I’m not baking any toxins into my food! Bake the pockets for 1 hour at 350ºF. Allow the pasties to cool and serve with ketchup. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can try them with salsa. My daughter tried this and really liked it!

Explore More Comfort Foods

I really enjoyed bringing this pasty recipe to life for my husband and his mom (on their shared birthday!) and bringing back some memories from each of their childhoods. I hope this recipe brings your family together in the kitchen like it did mine. If you’re looking for more comfort food recipes, check these out:

• Chicken Pot Pie
• Prime Rib Roast
• Crock Pot Taco Chili

Frequently Asked Questions about Pasties