Meat Pie Recipe (with Video)

Meat Pie Recipe: Meat pies are a beloved comfort food enjoyed across different cultures. These savory pastries consist of a flavorful meat filling encased in a golden, flaky crust.

Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a quick snack, homemade meat pies always taste better than store-bought versions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to make the perfect meat pie from scratch.

Ingredients Required

For the Pastry:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and diced)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg (for binding)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or minced meat (chicken, turkey, or lamb can also be used)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the filling)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Tools and Equipment Needed

Before you start, ensure you have the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Frying pan
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter
• Fork for sealing edges

Step 1: Preparing the Pastry Dough

Mixing the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the cold, diced butter and rub it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
3. Beat the egg and mix it with cold water, then gradually add to the flour mixture.
4. Knead gently until the dough comes together.

Chilling the Dough:

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up and makes the pastry easier to handle.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat Filling

Cooking the Meat:

1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.

Adding Seasonings and Vegetables:

1. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
2. Sprinkle in flour to thicken the mixture.
3. Pour in beef broth and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Allow the filling to cool before assembling the pies.

Step 3: Rolling Out the Pastry Dough

1. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the chilled dough.
2. Cut the dough into circles using a cutter or a small bowl.
3. Make sure the thickness is about 1/4 inch to prevent cracking.

Step 4: Assembling the Meat Pies

Filling the Pastry:

1. Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling in the center of each dough round.

Sealing the Edges:

1. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
2. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
3. Brush the top with egg wash for a golden crust.

Step 5: Baking the Meat Pies

Preheating the Oven:

• Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Baking Time and Temperature:

• Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Frying:

• Deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown for a crispier version.

Air-Frying:

• Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with ketchup, mustard, or gravy.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, salad, or coleslaw.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the pies – causes them to burst open.
• Not chilling the dough – makes it too soft to handle.
• Using too much liquid in the filling – results in soggy pies.

Variations of Meat Pies

• Chicken Meat Pies – Substitute beef with shredded chicken.
• Spicy Nigerian Meat Pies – Add scotch bonnet peppers for heat.
• Australian Meat Pies – Include Worcestershire sauce and beef gravy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	15g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	18g

FAQs about Meat Pie Recipe

1. What kind of meat can I use for a meat pie?

You can use various types of meat for your meat pie, including beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. Ground meat is commonly used because it cooks quickly and evenly, making it perfect for pie fillings.

2. Can I make a meat pie ahead of time?

Yes, meat pies are great for making ahead of time. You can prepare the pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pie and bake it directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

3. What are the essential spices for a meat pie?

Essential spices for a meat pie include salt, pepper, and often, herbs like thyme or rosemary. Depending on your taste preferences, you might also add garlic, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.

4. How long should I bake a meat pie?

Bake a meat pie at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. If baking from frozen, adjust the time as needed.

5. Can I use store-bought pastry for my meat pie?

Absolutely! Store-bought pastry, like puff pastry or shortcrust, is a convenient and effective option for making meat pies. Just ensure it’s thawed properly if frozen.

6. How can I make my meat pie crust crispy?

For a crispy pie crust, brush the top with an egg wash before baking. You can also pre-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent it from getting soggy.

7. What sides go well with meat pies?

Meat pies pair well with simple sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad. These sides help balance the richness of the pie.

8. Are there any tips for vegetarians?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. Make sure to amp up the spices since these ingredients can handle robust flavors.

9. How do I ensure the meat is cooked properly in the pie?

Pre-cook your meat filling before adding it to the pie crust, especially when using larger cuts of meat or poultry. This step ensures that the meat is fully cooked and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

10. Can I make a gluten-free meat pie?

Yes, to make a gluten-free meat pie, use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all other ingredients, like broth or seasonings, are gluten-free. There are many recipes and premade gluten-free crusts available that work well for this purpose.

Conclusion

Homemade meat pies are flavorful, satisfying, and worth the effort. Whether baked or fried, these pies make a great snack or meal. Try different variations and enjoy making them from scratch!