A meat pie is the ultimate comfort food — golden, flaky crust filled with savory, seasoned meat and sometimes vegetables or gravy. You can make it traditional (like a British-style steak and ale pie), rustic (like an Aussie or Nigerian meat pie), or mini handheld versions.
Here’s a classic and flexible recipe:
🥧 Classic Meat Pie
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 40–50 mins
🛒 Ingredients:
For the filling:
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork/lamb)
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
1 small carrot, finely diced (optional)
-
1 small potato, peeled and diced small (optional)
-
1 tbsp tomato paste
-
2 tbsp flour (to thicken)
-
½ cup beef broth (or water)
-
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
-
Salt & black pepper to taste
-
1 tsp thyme or mixed herbs
-
1 tbsp oil or butter for frying
For the crust:
-
2 sheets of pie crust (store-bought or homemade), or puff pastry
-
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
-
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
-
Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
-
Add ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
-
Stir in tomato paste, carrot, potato (if using), herbs, salt & pepper.
-
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the meat.
-
Pour in broth and Worcestershire. Simmer until thick and potatoes are tender (~10–15 minutes).
-
Let cool slightly before assembling the pie.
2. Preheat Oven:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Assemble the Pie:
-
Line a 9-inch pie dish with one crust.
-
Fill with the cooled meat mixture.
-
Cover with the top crust, crimp edges, and cut slits on top for steam.
-
Brush with egg wash.
4. Bake:
-
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
-
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
🥧 Serving Suggestions:
-
Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, or a side of peas or salad.
-
Great hot or cold — perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
🔄 Variations:
-
Spicy Nigerian Meat Pie: Add Scotch bonnet peppers and curry powder.
-
Aussie-Style: Use puff pastry and add a bit of ketchup or gravy to the filling.
-
Mini Pies or Hand Pies: Use a large cutter or bowl to form rounds, fill, seal, and bake individually.
Would you like a vegan, gluten-free, or handheld meat pie version? Happy to tailor it for you!
