7 Delicious Meat Pie Recipes You Must Try

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the appeal of a savory, steaming meat pie. Whether it's the hearty filling, the flaky, golden crust, or the rich, comforting flavors, meat pies have a universal charm that spans cultures and cuisines. Today, we're diving into the delicious world of meat pies with seven recipes that promise to elevate your culinary skills and tantalize your taste buds. From classic British steak and kidney pie to exotic flavors from around the globe, there's something here for every pie enthusiast.

The Timeless Steak and Kidney Pie

Starting with the classic, the British Steak and Kidney Pie embodies the essence of British comfort food. Here’s how you can craft this timeless dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g of beef chuck steak, cubed
  • 250g of lamb's kidneys, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 500ml of beef stock
  • Puff pastry
  • Salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste
• Method:
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
  2. In a heavy-based pot, brown the beef and kidney with onions, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Coat the meat with flour, cooking for a minute to absorb excess moisture.
  4. Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and simmer gently until the meat is tender.
  5. Transfer the filling into a pie dish, cover with puff pastry, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden.

🌟 Note: The key to a great steak and kidney pie is patience. Let the filling simmer until the meat is tender, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Empanada Gallegas: Spanish Beef Pies

For a taste of Spain, try the Empanada Gallegas, known for their subtle spices and compact design:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g of all-purpose flour
  • 250g of lard or butter
  • 1 egg
  • Beef filling made with minced beef, onions, peppers, and spices like paprika and cumin
• Method:
  1. Prepare a simple dough with flour, lard, egg, and water. Let it rest.
  2. Sautee minced beef with onions, bell peppers, and spices until well-cooked.
  3. Roll out the dough, fill with the beef mixture, seal, and bake until the crust is golden.

Tourtière: A Canadian Christmas Tradition

Not just for the holiday season, Tourtière from Quebec brings the warmth of Christmas year-round:

• Ingredients:
  • 750g of mixed ground meat (pork, beef, veal)
  • 1 large potato, grated
  • Onions, garlic, and winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice
• Method:
  1. Cook the ground meats together, drain excess fat, and add spices, onions, and garlic.
  2. Incorporate the grated potato, cook until the mixture thickens.
  3. Assemble into a pie shell, top with pastry, and bake.

Shepherd's Pie

While traditionally made with lamb, the Shepherd's Pie with ground beef is a beloved variation:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g ground beef
  • Mashed potatoes for the topping
  • Mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn
  • Beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste
• Method:
  1. Cook the beef with onions, add mixed vegetables, then thicken with stock and sauces.
  2. Layer in a dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until the potatoes are crisp and golden.

Burek: Balkan Beef Pies

The flaky, savory Burek offers a taste of the Balkans with its unique phyllo pastry:

• Ingredients:
  • Phyllo dough
  • Minced beef
  • Onions, parsley, and sometimes potatoes
• Method:
  1. Prepare the beef filling by sautéing with onions and herbs.
  2. Layer the phyllo, brush with oil or butter, and fill with the beef mixture. Roll into spirals or layered squares.
  3. Bake until the phyllo is golden and crispy.

Frikadeller: Danish Meat Pies

Danish Frikadeller might not be pies in the traditional sense, but they encapsulate the spirit of comfort food in bite-sized form:

• Ingredients:
  • Mixed ground meat (pork and beef)
  • Onions, egg, milk, breadcrumbs
• Method:
  1. Mix all ingredients to form a dough-like consistency.
  2. Form into patties and fry until browned.

Pot Pies

Lastly, Pot Pies offer a versatile canvas for any meat and vegetable combination:

• Ingredients:
  • Cubed chicken, turkey, or beef
  • Various vegetables like peas, carrots, corn
  • Creamy gravy base
• Method:
  1. Sauté meat and vegetables, then incorporate a thick gravy or cream sauce.
  2. Fill a pie dish, top with pastry, and bake until the filling bubbles and the crust is flaky.

The joy of meat pies lies in their simplicity and the deep satisfaction they bring to the table. Each region, culture, and cook brings their twist to this beloved dish, making it a truly universal meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or seeking a cozy dinner for one, these recipes will provide comfort and delight in equal measure. The combination of crust and filling is not just about taste; it's about tradition, warmth, and the simple pleasure of good food. So, grab your rolling pin and start baking; there's a world of flavor waiting for you to explore.

Can I make meat pies in advance?

+

Yes, many meat pies can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the filling and crust, assemble the pie, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For longer storage, freeze the assembled pie and bake from frozen, adjusting the baking time accordingly.

What’s the best type of pastry for meat pies?

+

The choice of pastry depends on your preference. Shortcrust pastry provides a sturdy base and is ideal for pies with a lot of gravy. Puff pastry gives a light and flaky top crust. Phyllo can offer a different texture, as seen in Burek.

How can I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?

+

To avoid a soggy bottom crust, consider blind baking the bottom layer of pastry before adding the filling. This can also include pre-cooking the filling to reduce moisture. Brushing the bottom crust with egg wash or sprinkling with a bit of flour can help too.

Related Terms:

• meat pies recipe
• Mince pie
• Meat pie
• Shepherd s pie
• Empanada
• Pie steak