how to make meat pies recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best how to make meat pies recipe

I’ve been making meat pies for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping me mix the filling and roll out the dough, and my husband appreciates the hearty, comforting meal. I love that this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and can be made in large batches for potlucks or family gatherings.

The best part? It’s a great way to get kids involved in cooking and learning about where their food comes from. Meat pies have a long history, with roots in medieval Europe where they were served as a filling meal for peasants and nobles alike.

Over time, different regions developed their own unique variations, from the classic British beef and onion to the spiced lamb of North Africa. Today, you can find meat pies on menus from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can make it with ground beef, pork, lamb, or even a combination of meats.

The key is to use a mixture of spices that will complement the flavor of your chosen meat without overpowering it. I like to use a combination of onion, garlic, and thyme for a classic flavor that’s hard to beat. Making meat pies is all about technique – getting the dough right is crucial so that your crust turns out flaky and tender.

I like to use a high ratio of fat (such as butter or lard) to flour so that my dough is rich and flavorful. And don’t even get me started on the importance of using cold ingredients – if your butter or eggs are too warm, your dough will be tough as leather.

Classic Meat Pies

4.7 from 1747 votes

Classic Meat Pies are a comforting and hearty dish featuring a savory meat filling encased in a flaky pastry crust. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
4-5 tbsp ice-cold water

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3Add cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
6In a saucepan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7Remove from heat and set aside.
8In the same saucepan, add onion and garlic.
9Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
10Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
11Stir well and bring to a simmer.
12Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.
13Stir in the cooked ground beef.
14Remove from heat and set aside.
15On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
16Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out circles of dough.
17Press the dough circles into a greased muffin tin, ensuring the bottom and sides are well-covered.
18Spoon the meat filling into each dough-lined muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full.
19Roll out the remaining dough and cut out additional circles to top the pies.
20Place the top circles over the filling and press the edges to seal.
21Use a fork to crimp the edges and poke a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
22Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
23Remove from the oven and let the meat pies cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
24Carefully remove the pies from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Saucepan
Rolling pin
Muffin tin

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Also, feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas to the filling for extra nutrition.

Meat pies are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a large family gathering. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.

The key to a great meat pie is the crust and the filling, and with a little practice, you can master both. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. I think meat pies make a good idea for any family gathering.

They are easy to make and can feed a large group of people. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a convenient option for busy families. You can also experiment with different fillings and crusts to make the dish your own.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this meat pie recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. This recipe is easy to make and can feed a large group of people. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a convenient option for busy families.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Pies

Q: What type of meat should I use in my meat pie?

For this recipe, you can use any type of ground meat you like – beef, pork, lamb, or even a combination of meats works well.

Q: Can I make these pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pies.

Q: How do I know if my dough is too sticky?

That’s an easy one – if your dough feels too sticky or soft when you’re rolling it out, just add a bit more flour until it reaches the right consistency.

Q: Can I freeze these pies?

Yes! Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they’re frozen solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or bag for storage.

Q: Do I have to use puff pastry for this recipe?

No! You can use any type of pastry you like – puff pastry gives these pies their signature flaky crust but feel free to experiment with other types.

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