If you have ever dreamed of biting into a warm, flaky crust filled with rich, perfectly seasoned meat, then this Delicious Meat Pie Recipe is exactly the comfort food you need in your life. Combining juicy ground beef and pork with a fragrant medley of spices, all nestled inside tender homemade pie crusts, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this meat pie promises incredible flavor and satisfying textures that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in making this meat pie exceptional. From the rich, hearty meats to the aromatic spices, everything works together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and is essential for sautéing the onions and garlic without burning.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and depth as it softens, building the flavor base of your filling.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the filling with a warm, savory aroma that amplifies the taste of the meat.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty, juicy key ingredient that forms the bulk of the filling’s meatiness.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds a slightly sweeter and fattier contrast, keeping the filling moist and flavorful.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides a subtle hint of warmth and complexity to the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Enhances the savory taste with a dash of sweet and peppery notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends herby freshness that brightens the rich meat beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a tiny touch of aromatic depth that ties the spices together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors in the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild kick of spice that complements the seasoning perfectly.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps the filling juicy while simmering and infuses extra meaty goodness.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Acts as a thickener, ensuring your filling isn’t too watery and holds together well.
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts: Provide a buttery, flaky shell that encloses the filling with comforting crispness.
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash): Creates a glossy, golden crust finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Delicious Meat Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, cooking it briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This foundational step releases lovely aromas that set the tone for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Add the ground beef and pork to the skillet. Brown this mixture thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula, for around 7 to 8 minutes. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat for a less greasy filling. This helps maintain the perfect balance between rich and light textures in your pie.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Simmer
Now, it’s time to bring in the warm spices: cinnamon, allspice, thyme, and cloves, along with salt and pepper. Stir them in well so the meat absorbs these delightful flavors. Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and intensify the taste.
Step 4: Thicken the Filling
To thicken the filling, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and stir thoroughly. This step is crucial for ensuring your pie filling isn’t runny and stays perfectly moist but firm after baking. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly to avoid sogging the crust later.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Roll out one refrigerate pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish with gentle hands so as not to tear it. Spoon the cooled meat mixture evenly into this crust, smoothing the top for even baking. Cover with the second pie crust, carefully sealing the edges by pinching them together. Don’t forget to cut small slits on top to let steam escape while the pie bakes, preventing a soggy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, which will give your pie that irresistible shiny golden color. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust looks crisp and beautifully browned. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, perfect servings.
How to Serve Delicious Meat Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the richness of this meat pie, fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over the top just before serving adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. A dollop of grainy mustard on the side can introduce a tangy contrast that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This meat pie pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes, whose creamy texture balances the savory filling. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad add a refreshing crunch, making the meal feel well-rounded and satisfying without overpowering the pie’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual hand pies using smaller pie crust rounds and muffin tins—perfect for parties! Alternatively, slice your pie into wedges and serve with a drizzle of homemade gravy or a side of tangy chutney for an unexpected kick. Presentation can turn this comforting classic into an elegant centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this pie disappears fast!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your pie will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that delicious taste for several meals after baking.
Freezing
This Delicious Meat Pie Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a perfect dish to prepare in advance. Wrap the cooled, unbaked assembled pie in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftover meat pie, the ideal method is placing slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 15 minutes. This trick keeps the crust crisp and the filling piping hot, reviving all that wonderful freshly baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground pork with another meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner pie, you can swap ground pork for additional ground beef or even ground turkey. Each choice will offer a slightly different flavor and texture, but the spices will keep the filling deliciously aromatic regardless.
Is it possible to make this meat pie gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pie crusts and gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can adapt this recipe without compromising on the taste or structure. Just make sure your beef broth is also gluten-free.
How can I avoid a soggy bottom crust?
Simmering your filling until the liquid reduces and incorporating breadcrumbs helps prevent sogginess. Also, letting the filling cool slightly before assembling and using an egg wash to seal the edges creates a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
Definitely! Making the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even more deeply. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container and assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake.
What’s the best way to slice and serve this pie?
After allowing your meat pie to rest for 10 minutes post-baking, use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. Serving with a wide spatula helps keep the crust intact and makes plating effortless.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Meat Pie Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings people together. Its tender meat filling wrapped in a golden crust offers comforting familiarity with a touch of spice. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and watch as it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
Print
Delicious Meat Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian, American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Delicious Meat Pie is a comforting, savory classic combining ground beef and pork with aromatic spices, all baked inside a flaky pie crust. Perfect as a hearty main course, it features a rich, meat-filled center with a golden, crisp exterior that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for wholesome, home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Pie Crust and Finish
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pie.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid a greasy filling.
- Season Filling: Mix in the ground cinnamon, ground allspice, dried thyme, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper. This blend of warm spices gives the filling a rich and aromatic flavor.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This will reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors in the filling.
- Thicken the Filling: Stir in the breadcrumbs to absorb the remaining moisture and thicken the filling. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly, making it easier to handle when assembling the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out one of the refrigerated pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to remove any air pockets.
- Fill Pie: Spoon the cooled meat mixture evenly into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out smoothly.
- Cover and Seal: Place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim any excess dough and seal the edges by pinching them together. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to vent during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top pie crust with the beaten egg. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen once baked.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground pork with additional ground beef or ground turkey.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish to complete this comforting meal.
