Meat Pies Recipe - How To Make It At Home?

If we talk about classic foods, then meat pies come to the top, with a crusty outer pastry layer with a delicious meaty delight inside. This dish is a triple treat: appetizers, street snacks, and a main course.

Pie lover, this article is for you. I am going to guide you in the process of making delicious meat pies in the easiest way possible.

Imagine making the golden brown, crispy, crusty pie crust with a meaty surprise inside your own house! Nothing can be better than that.

If you are making meat pies for the first time, then you should know what meat pies are precise.

What Is A Meat Pie?

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Meat pies are generally pastries with a savory twist, with a meat-based filling. The outer layer is a buttery golden brown crispy pie crust. The meat pies are usually fried, baked, or even deep-fried.

Meat pies typically contain sauteed vegetables in a thick saucy gravy with any meat protein. The meat can be beef, pork, lamb, or even chicken. For something unconventional, you can even try venison or even seafood.

Meat Pies: The Aussie Icon Food

It goes without saying that meat pies are the favorite of every Aussie out there. Studies say that an average Aussie eats about 12 meat pies every year. Wait, that’s not the biggest surprise. They sell about 90000 meat pies alone during the AFL final matches. A rich history goes behind this wholesome delicacy and its legacy in Australia.

Yes, we will discuss how to prepare it. But, shouldn’t you know a little more about this amazing food you are going to cook? You must.

It dates back to 1947, when they started to make meat pies. But, it still wasn’t something new to the Aussies. You see, they started making them around the early 1800s, and it was because of the steam-powered commercial wheat mills.

However, pie manufacturers want to predate history by saying that the first pie was invented during the second century AD. Yes, this favorite comfort food is so popular in Australia that they would often interchangeably use ‘Meat’ pies and ‘pies.’

Why Are Australian Meat Pies The Best In The World?

Yes, meat pies have their roots in the Greek and Roman culinary arts. But, Australia has been able to embrace the meat pies with greater love and acceptance. In fact, the Aussie meat pie is very different from the Latin American version called Empanda. That’s not all; the Shepherd’s Pie from the UK is also nowhere close to the Aussie meat pies when it comes to similarity.

This pie is ingrained in the Aussie lifestyle, and it is smaller in size if you compare it to the British variation of the pie. So, naturally, it’s one of the best snacks you can have. In fact, you can pack them for road trips, serve them during community events, and at backyard parties at home. Aussies often call them ‘Pocket warmers.’

How Many Types Of Meat Pies Are There?

If we are talking about meat pies, it technically means meat in a crusty pastry-like outer layer. If that is true, then there can be many variations of such meat pies, not only the classic ones. Each culture has its version of meat pies, and they are

1. Empanadas

Originating from the Spanish culture, Empanadas are like golden pastries, filled with meaty filling. They are like golden pockets of joy. It is food for your soul. Beer in one hand and empanadas in the other is the kind of party I like, what about you?

2. Mince Pie

A traditional British Christmas without mince pie is next to impossible to even imagine. It has been a Christmas staple food since the 16th century. Though most meat pies are savory, this English classic is both sweet and savory.

3. Natchitoches

Named after a town in Louisiana, United States. They are the official food of that state as well. These are also savory meat-filled dishes that look awfully similar to the Spanish empanadas.

4. Sfiha

Sfihas are Lebanese meat pies that combine the flavors of both flatbreads and meat pie. Introduced by the immigrants of Lebanon and Syria. It became quite popular in Brazil.

5. Tourtiere

This French-Canadian delight is a great choice for any holiday main course. A visually appealing meat pie is a great, affordable choice for you and your family.

Click Here To Read: 20 Best Australian Foods You Should Not Miss

Tips Before Making Meat Pies

Before you start making these meat pies, here are a few tips for you to consider. You should know that the techniques of making a pie savory or sweet are the same. Except for savory, it can be a little moist.

1. Partially Cook The Meat Before

For making a delicious meat pie the key is to cook the meat as tender as possible, with a juicy and spicy twist. But your meat should not be overcooked. Cooking the meat beforehand helps control the moisture and prevents a soggy crust.

2. Consider Using Readymade Pastry For The Crust

To show your cooking skills, you can always make the pie crust yourself, but if you have a time crunch, then it is better to use readymade puff pastries.

3. Seal The Edges With An Egg Wash

For more shine and to prevent leaky edges, you should consider brushing the crust with an egg wash before you bake.

You May Like To Read This: Barbecued Snags Recipe – How To Make It In-Home

Homemade Meat Pies Recipe

Now, no more wasting time. Let’s get right to it why you came here.

Makes	Prep Time	Total Time	Cook Time
1-9 inch pie	20 mins	3 hrs	1hr 30mins

Ingredients

For the pie dough:

2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon salt.
2 large eggs, both divided.
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes.
¼ cup of cold water.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.

For the meat filling:

2 Yukon Gold potatoes.
3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil.
1 pound ground beef.
3 garlic cloves, finely diced.
1 tablespoon cumin.
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
½ dried oregano or dried thyme.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot paprika.
1 cup shelled peas, fresh or frozen.
1 cup beef broth or beef stock.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, as per taste.

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the all-purpose flour with salt in a bowl of a food processor, then pulse to combine it. Then 1 egg to it with cold butter, and combine again. With the processor on, sprinkle ice water and apple cider vinegar into the processor to mix well.

Step 2

Keep the dough on a floured surface and kneed it till it becomes a ball. Even if it’s not smooth, make the shape. Then, divide the ball into two parts and shape them into a disc. Wrap them in plastic and put them in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Step 3

While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a bowl, take salt water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes well enough to be cut easily with a paring knife. Drain the potatoes and cool them. Then, cut the potatoes into 1-inch dice and keep them aside.

Step 4

On a large skillet, heat oil on medium flame. Add the ground beef, garlic, and onions and stir to mix. Saute until the beef turns brown. Then add cumin, dried oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

Then add peas and the diced potatoes to it. Season the filling with salt and pepper as per your choice, and stir. Finally, add the beef broth or stock and boil on simmering heat. Cook until the meat absorbs the juice, then turn the heat off.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6

Take out the wrapped balls from the fridge and remove the foil. Place it on a smooth surface and roll it to about 11 inches in diameter. Then, you use a rolling pan to drape it over a 9-inch pie pan and fit the edges.

Place a parchment paper over it and put baking beans. Bake the pie blindly until the crust becomes a beautiful golden brown. Then, remove the beans and let the crust cool.

Step 7

While your bottom crust is cooling, roll the top crust. Then, fill your bottom crust with the meat filling and smooth the top. Put the top layer on it, crimp or pleat the edges, and seal it shut.

Prepare the egg wash by adding 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water to a bowl and whisk it. Brush the top layer with the mixture and place it over a baking sheet.

Step 8

Put the pie back in the oven and bake it for about 25 minutes. Wait until the top crust is a beautiful golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Keep the pie aside for about 10 minutes to let it cool down and let the juices thicken. Then slice down and enjoy the deliciousness. But what to serve with meat pies? Both mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables are great options.

Meat Pies: Nutritional Values

What are the nutritional values of 1 serving of meat pie?

Nutrients	Value
Calories	372.9kCal
Carb	41g
Sugar	1.5g
Protein	17g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8.5g
Sodium	970mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What Is The Other Name For Meat Pies?

Meat pies are also called patty, pasty, tarts, or even turnovers.

2. What Are Australian Meat Pies Called?

Australian meat pies are often called Aussie Pies. They are an iconic food worldwide, with their own version of it.

3. Who Eats Meat Pies?

Meat pies are an Australian staple dish. Australian cuisine is full of incredibly hot chilies, no matter what you are eating.

Keep Eating!

Even though you are not a great cook, you can easily make a great meat pie. They are as tough as they might seem. So, as much as you wanna eat delicious meat pies, start making them on your own.