Meat pies are a delicious and savory treat, popular in many cuisines around the world. With a flaky, buttery crust and a hearty filling of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, these pies make a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a main course. They’re comforting, satisfying, and ideal for any occasion.
Benefits
- Hearty and Filling: Meat pies are packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making them a complete meal in one.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with different meats, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.
- Portable: These pies are great for on-the-go meals, picnics, or packed lunches.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 250g butter
- 3 eggs (1 for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
For the Filling:
- 350g ground beef
- 1 potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 cup (240ml) water or beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
Step 1: Making the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add Butter: Add the butter to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingers until you get a crumbly texture.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat 2 eggs and add them to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Gradually add cold water and knead until the dough is smooth and firm. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
- Sauté Onion: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Thicken the Filling: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well. Pour in the water or beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Assembling the Pies
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut Shapes: Cut out circles using a round cutter or a plate.
- Fill and Fold: Place 1-2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a semi-circle and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal.
- Poke Holes: Poke the tops of the pies with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops with beaten egg and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Helpful Tips
- Keep the Dough Cold: Work with cold ingredients and a cool environment to prevent the dough from becoming too soft and sticky.
- Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the pies, as this can cause them to burst open while baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The dough can also be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the meat pies?
A: Yes, meat pies can be frozen before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or lamb work well in this recipe. You can also mix different meats for a unique flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?
A: Make sure to cook the filling until the liquid has reduced and thickened. Adding flour helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring the filling stays intact.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- As an Appetizer: Make smaller versions of the pies and serve them as appetizers or party snacks.
- With Dipping Sauce: Pair the pies with a side of ketchup, gravy, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings
This recipe makes approximately 8 large meat pies.
Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Enjoy these hearty and delicious homemade meat pies, perfect for any occasion!
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- Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie
- Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
- Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie
- Pecan Pie Muffins
Recipe Card
HOW TO MAKE MEAT PIE
Meat pies are a delicious and savory treat, popular in many cuisines around the world. With a flaky, buttery crust and a hearty filling of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, these pies make a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a main course. They’re comforting, satisfying, and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- – 8 cups all-purpose flour
- – 250g butter
- – 3 eggs 1 for brushing
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 1 tablespoon sugar
- – 1 teaspoon baking powder
- – 1/4 cup 60ml cold water
For the Filling:
- – 350g ground beef
- – 1 potato peeled and diced into small cubes
- – 1 large onion chopped
- – 1 large carrot peeled and diced
- – 1 cup 240ml water or beef broth
- – Salt to taste
- – Pepper optional
- – 1 teaspoon thyme
- – 2 tablespoons flour
- – 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
Step 1: Making the Dough
- **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- **Add Butter**: Add the butter to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingers until you get a crumbly texture.
- **Incorporate Eggs**: Beat 2 eggs and add them to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Gradually add cold water and knead until the dough is smooth and firm. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
- **Sauté Onion**: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- **Cook the Meat**: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- **Add Vegetables**: Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- **Thicken the Filling**: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well. Pour in the water or beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Assembling the Pies
- **Roll Out Dough**: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- **Cut Shapes**: Cut out circles using a round cutter or a plate.
- **Fill and Fold**: Place 1-2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a semi-circle and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal.
- **Poke Holes**: Poke the tops of the pies with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- **Brush and Bake**: Brush the tops with beaten egg and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.