Meat Pies: Why You’ll Love These ❤️
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pie-lover, this recipe is an absolute winner. The filling is hearty, made with good-quality Aussie beef mince, and loaded with veggies like carrots, celery, and onions. And let’s not forget that thick, luscious gravy created by a perfect balance of tomato paste 🍅, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock powder – trust me, it’s drool-worthy! The best part? You’re wrapping all of that goodness in buttery puff pastry that crisps up to golden perfection. 😍
These meat pies are versatile enough to be your go-to for footy nights 🏉, parties, or even a laid-back dinner with a salad on the side. You can whip up a batch, freeze them, and just bake them fresh whenever you’re ready. Talk about a time-saver!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Meat Pies 🥧
Want to take your meat pies to the next level? I’ve got a few pro tips that’ll help you create a masterpiece every time:
- Quality beef mince is key 🥩: Choose a good, lean beef mince (around 80% lean is ideal) to ensure your pies are meaty without being too greasy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even go for a mix of beef and lamb mince for a twist!
- Let the filling cool completely ❄️: This is a crucial step. After cooking your savoury filling, let it cool down before spooning it into the pastry. Hot filling will cause your pastry to go soggy, and we want crispy, golden perfection! Cooling it overnight is even better, allowing the flavours to really meld together.
- Don’t skimp on the egg wash 🥚: A nice brush of egg wash over the top of your pies will give them that gorgeous, golden-brown finish. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in presentation!
- Play around with spices 🌶️: Love a bit of heat? Add a touch of chilli powder or cayenne pepper to your filling for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt and cracked black pepper on top of your pies before they go into the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These meat pies are perfect all on their own, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are a few sides that pair beautifully:
- A simple garden salad 🥗: The freshness of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette will perfectly balance the richness of the pies.
- Chips and gravy 🍟: An Aussie classic! Serve your pies with a side of hot, crispy chips and a bowl of gravy for dipping.
- Mushy peas: Another traditional side for pies, mushy peas add a pop of colour and extra nutrients to your meal
Make It Your Own 🎨
What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customise the filling to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Want to make it more veggie-forward? Add some peas, corn, or even mushrooms. Looking for a flavour twist? Try mixing in some cheese 🧀 (cheddar works wonderfully) or even swap out the beef for chicken mince and use chicken stock instead.
For a more traditional British take, you could swap out the puff pastry for shortcrust pastry – it’s denser and gives a sturdier bite. Or go full gourmet and add a splash of red wine 🍷 to your filling while it simmers – trust me, it’s divine.
How to Store and Reheat Your Meat Pies 🥧
These meat pies are perfect for meal prepping because they freeze beautifully. Here’s how you can make the most out of them:
- Freezing uncooked pies: After assembling your pies, lay them out on a tray and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them into a zip-lock bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from frozen – just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing cooked pies: If you’ve already baked them and have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through – they’ll stay flaky and delicious.
I can’t wait for you all to try this recipe! Whether it’s for a family dinner or a weekend BBQ, these homemade meat pies are bound to be a hit. 🥳 Don’t forget to take a picture and share your creations with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I’d love to see your baking magic! 💖
Related Recipes to Try Next:
If you loved these meat pies you will have to try these:
Get ready to enjoy some seriously good meat pies! Whether you’re a long-time fan or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy baking, everyone! 👩🍳
Meat Pies
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hey everyone! 🌟 Today, I’m super excited to share my go-to recipe for homemade meat pies that are absolutely to die for! 🥧 Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a pan with a bit of olive oil. Toss in your carrots, celery, and onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the beef mince and cook until it’s all browned up and gorgeous.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock powder, and flour. Mix well for 2 mins.
- Pour in the water and let it simmer until you’ve got a thick, hearty gravy.
- Cool the filling in the fridge. Overnight works wonders for the flavors to meld.
- Cut each pastry sheet into 4, spoon in the filling, brush edges with egg, top with another pastry square, and seal those edges tight.
- Brush the tops with more egg, then bake at 200°C for 25-30 mins until golden brown and irresistible.
Voilà! You’ve got yourself some scrumptious meat pies that are perfect for any meal. Pair with a side salad or eat as is, and watch them disappear! 🌈
You can freeze these before you cook them or after!
Don’t forget to tag me if you make these at home. I’d love to see your creations! 💖
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready, just assemble and bake! You can also freeze the uncooked pies for up to 3 months.
The key is to make sure your filling is completely cooled before assembling the pies. This helps keep the pastry crispy. You can also add a little bit of flour or cornstarch to the filling to absorb any extra liquid.
Yes! Shortcrust pastry will give your pies a denser, more buttery base. It’s especially great if you want to go for a more rustic, hearty pie.