An Aussie Meat Pie is a beloved Australian comfort food that consists of a flaky, golden crust filled with a savory mixture of minced meat (usually beef), gravy, and seasoning. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner. Here’s a delicious recipe to make your own Aussie meat pies at home!
Aussie Meat Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (minced)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional, for extra texture)
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry or shortcrust pastry (depending on preference)
- (If using homemade pastry, you’ll need about 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup cold water)
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the top)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, thyme, and grated carrot (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring well to combine. This will help thicken the filling. Gradually add the beef broth and stir until the mixture thickens into a gravy. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the filling is thick and not too runny.
- Add Peas (optional): If you’re using peas, stir them in at the end and cook for another minute or two until heated through.
- Cool the Filling: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before filling the pies.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out your puff or shortcrust pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. You will need one sheet for the bottom of the pie and one sheet for the top (if using puff pastry, this will give you a nice puffed top).
3. Assemble the Pies:
- Fill the Pies: Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of pastry to line your pie tin. Place one circle into the bottom of each pie tin, pressing gently to fit.
- Add the Filling: Spoon the cooled meat filling into each pastry-lined tin, leaving a little room at the top.
- Top with Pastry: Cut another circle of pastry to cover the top of the pie. Place it over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the pie. You can crimp the edges with a fork or pinch them with your fingers.
- Make a Vent: Use a sharp knife to cut a small cross or slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Bake the Pies:
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed (if using puff pastry).
5. Serve:
- Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve your Aussie meat pies with mashed potatoes, peas, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pies can also be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Some recipes also include a splash of red wine for added richness.
- Pastry Options: Puff pastry gives the pie a light, flaky texture, while shortcrust pastry provides a firmer, more traditional base. You can use whichever type you prefer.
This Aussie Meat Pie recipe brings a taste of Australia right to your kitchen! It’s a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!