Pastel Tutup

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Pastel Tutup, a beloved classic since the Dutch colonial days, is Indonesia’s version of shepherd’s pie—layered with creamy mashed potatoes, savory beef and veggies, and topped with a golden cheese crust. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and totally satisfying.

A plate of Pastel tutup slice with green peas on top.

Pastel Tutup always brings back cozy memories of weekend lunches at my grandma’s house. She’d pull it fresh from the oven—cheese roasting on top, mashed potatoes golden and crisp at the edges, and that savory filling packed with beef or chicken, veggies, and sometimes a surprise bit of glass noodles It’s our Indonesian take on shepherd’s pie, and honestly? I think it’s

If you’ve tried my Kroket Kentang or Japanese Croquette, you’ll find the same comforting combo here—soft mashed potatoes hugging a flavorful filling, just in casserole form. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to dig in straight from the baking dish.even better.

You can definitely taste the Dutch influence in this recipe—just like in Dutch Butter Cake, Lapis Legit, or Ontbijtkoek, which I also grew up eating. Over time, these colonial-era treats became a part of our everyday table, adapted with local ingredients and a whole lot of heart.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Rich in flavor – From the very first bite, you get to taste the crispy cheese crust, creamy mashed potatoes, and a savory, well-seasoned filling. It’s cozy andcomforting, and full of Indonesian-Dutch character.
Melt-in-your-mouth texture – The mashed potatoes are so silky smooth, made even richer with cream and egg yolk.
Made with simple ingredients – No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques here. Everything is easy to find in most kitchens—from ground beef and potatoes to cheese and spices.
Perfect for parties – This recipe makes enough for 6–9 servings, and it’s easy to scale up. Serve it in a big casserole dish for a family dinner, or divide into individual ramekins for parties—they look so cute and always impress!
Make-ahead friendly – You can prep this casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving. It’s a life-saver for busy days.
Kid-friendly & freezer-friendly – Kids love the creamy potatoes and cheesy top, and leftovers freeze well too. A great option for batch cooking!
Versatile filling options – Not into beef? You can swap it with shredded chicken, tuna, or even make it vegetarian. It’s easy to customize based on your taste or what’s in the fridge.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

Onion and Garlic – Chopped onion and minced garlic are the aromatic base of the filling. They boost the overall flavor and give the dish its classic savory depth.

Ground Beef – Use ground beef with about 15% fat, it gives you that juicy, flavorful bite without being greasy. You can easily swap it with ground chicken or even shredded chicken for a lighter version.

Whipping Cream – Whipping cream adds extra richness to both the filling and the mashed potato layer, making everything taste more creamy. You can also use milk, but the cream gives it that super smooth texture.

Ground Nutmeg – Just a pinch of ground nutmeg brings warmth and that signature Dutch-Indo touch to the filling. It pairs beautifully with the creamy potato and beef combo.

Glass Noodles (Soun) – Soak glass noodles in cold water until they’re soft enough to cook. They add a slightly chewy texture to the filling and help stretch the meat. You can also use rice vermicelli or even short pasta for a fusion twist.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Substitutions & Variations

Meat swaps:
Use ground chicken, shredded chicken, or tuna instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, try tempeh, tofu, or mushrooms.

Dairy-free options:
Swap butter with margarine or oil. Use coconut cream or plant-based milk for creamy mashed potatoes, and skip the egg yolk if needed.

Noodle alternatives:
No glass noodles? Use rice vermicelli or short pasta like macaroni for a fun twist.

Topping variations:
Try cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for the cheesy crust. Or skip the cheese and just brush with egg wash. Want it fancy? Pipe the potatoes or score with a fork.

How to Make Pastel Tutup

Step by step proces photos of preparing the glass noodles and filling.

STEP 1. Prepare the noodles and aromatics. Soak the glass noodles in cold water (Image 1). Once they soften, drain and cut them into shorter strands. Set aside. In a wok or large pan, melt the butter (Image 2), then add diced onions (Image 3). Stir until they’re fragrant and slightly translucent, then add in the minced garlic (Image 4).

Step by step process photos of cooking the filling.

STEP 2. Cook the filling. When the garlic becomes fragrant, add the ground meat (Image 5). Stir until the meat turns brown (Image 6). Toss in the soaked noodles, diced carrots, corn, and peas (Images 7, 8). Stir until the noodles are fully softened and everything is well combined.

Step by step process photos of seasoning the filling and adding cream.

STEP 3. Add seasoning and creaminess. Pour in the whipping cream (Image 9). Season with salt, pepper, sugar, mushroom powder, ground nutmeg, and flour (Images 10, 11, 12). Stir until evenly mixed. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of milk, cream, or water. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Set aside to cool.

Step by step process photos of preparing the mashed potatoes.

STEP 4. Make the mashed potato layer. Boil the cut potatoes until soft (Image 13), then mash them with a fork and add butter (Image 14). For extra smooth texture, push the mash through a strainer (Image 15). While still warm, mix in whipping cream and egg yolk (Image 16) until fully blended and creamy.

Step by step process photos of assembling the mashed potatoes and filling.

STEP 5. Assemble the casserole. Season the mashed potatoes with a pinch of salt and mix well (Image 17). Divide the filling into 4 to 6 portions depending on your baking dish (Image 18). Spoon the filling into each container and optionally top with a few slices of boiled egg. Spread the mashed potatoes over the filling and brush with egg wash (a mix of egg yolk and milk) (Image 19). Sprinkle grated cheese generously on top (Image 20).

Step by step process photos of decorating and baking the pastel tutup.

STEP 6. Style the top and bake. Decorating the mashed potatoes can be fun! Pipe the mashed potatoes with a piping bag and decorative tip for a fancier look (Images 21, 22), or simply use a fork to create a rustic pattern after brushing with egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 392°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly (Images 23, 24). Enjoy while warm!

Expert Tips

Strain for smooth mash: For silky mashed potatoes, push them through a strainer before mixing.
Decorate your way: Use a fork for rustic lines or pipe it fancy. Always brush with egg wash and top with cheese!
Add boiled eggs: A few slices between the filling add richness and surprise.
Adjust creaminess: If the filling feels dry, add a splash of milk, cream, or water.
Make ahead: Assemble in advance, refrigerate unbaked, and bake fresh when needed.
Bake to golden perfection: Bake until bubbly, with a golden, slightly crispy top.

How to Serve

Pastel Tutup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with traditional Indonesian desserts. After a rich, savory dish like this, a sweet treat like Klepon, Candil Ubi, or Kue Lumpang brings the perfect balance. Soft, chewy, and just sweet enough—each bite feels like a warm hug after a comforting meal.

It also makes a great breakfast or lunchbox option. Bake it in smaller ramekins or foil containers and pack it up for the kids (or yourself!). It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to eat on the go—plus, who can resist cheesy mashed potatoes with a hidden savory surprise underneath?

FAQs about Pastel Tutup

What is Pastel Tutup?

Pastel Tutup is the Indonesian version of shepherd’s pie or cottage pie. It features a savory stir-fried ground meat and vegetable filling—often with glass noodles and/or wood ear mushrooms—topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.

What’s the difference between Pastel Tutup and shepherd’s pie?

While shepherd’s pie traditionally uses ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie) and gravy, Pastel Tutup incorporates Indonesian ingredients like glass noodles (“soun”), wood ear mushrooms, and warm spices like nutmeg. Its filling is often lighter and more varied.

Can I make Pastel Tutup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with tempeh, tofu, or mixed veggies, and swap dairy cream with coconut milk or vegan creamer. The result is a delicious plant-based dish that retains all the flavor.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the filling and mashed potatoes up to a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, then refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s perfect for holiday meals or busy weeknight dinners.

What’s the best potato for mashed topping?

High-starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds make the fluffiest, smoothest mash. For extra silky texture, push your mashed potatoes through a strainer before mixing with cream and egg yolk.

What dessert goes well with Pastel Tutup?

After a rich, savory casserole like this, something sweet and buttery is always welcome. I love serving it with a slice of Dutch Butter Cake, or go all out with Lapis Legit for that nostalgic Dutch-Indo pairing. If you prefer something lighter, Ontbijtkoek with a warm cup of tea is a perfect match.