Meat Pie – A Taste of Australia’s Comfort Food

Meat Pie is a much-loved dish in Australian cuisine, often enjoyed as a quick snack or a hearty meal. This savory pastry, with its flaky, buttery crust and rich, flavorful filling of minced meat and gravy, is a true classic in Aussie food culture. You’ll find it everywhere in Australia — from bakeries and cafes to sporting events — where it’s often enjoyed piping hot and topped with a generous dollop of tomato sauce. It’s a dish that brings back memories of simple, delicious comfort food, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Meat Pie holds a special place in the hearts of Australians, representing not just a food tradition but also a sense of community. The humble pie is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of Australian identity, much like fish and chips in the UK or pizza in Italy. With its rich filling of ground beef, onions, and a flavorful gravy encased in golden pastry, Meat Pie is a favorite on Cookpad and in food recipes shared by Home Cook worldwide. Whether enjoyed at home or on the go, the Aussie Meat Pie is an iconic dish that continues to bring people together across generations.

Traditional Australian Meat Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 125 g cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold water

For the filling:

• 500 g beef mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Method:

1. Prepare the pastry:
   In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Rub in butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling:
   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in flour, cook for a minute, then add stock, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Simmer until thickened, about 10–15 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cool the filling slightly.
3. Assemble the pies:
   Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Roll out the pastry and cut circles to line pie tins. Fill each case with the beef mixture. Top with pastry lids, sealing edges with a fork. Cut a small slit in the top for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
4. Bake:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Serve warm, ideally with a spoonful of tomato sauce on top!

FAQs about Australian Meat Pie

1. Can I freeze homemade meat pies?
Yes! Meat pies freeze well. Cool them completely, wrap individually, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to keep the pastry crisp.

2. What other meats can I use in Meat Pie?
While beef is the classic choice, you can also use lamb, chicken, or even a mix of meats in your filling. Experiment with different spices for a twist on traditional food recipes.

3. Is Meat Pie the same as a British pie?
Australian Meat Pie has British roots but evolved into a distinct version popular in Australia. It’s generally smaller and simpler, focusing on a minced meat filling, unlike the chunkier steak pies of Britain.

4. Where can I share my Meat Pie recipe?
You can share your version on platforms like Cookpad, where Home Cook worldwide upload their food recipes to inspire others!

Read more food recipes:
Churros: Crispy Fried Dough with Sweet Cinnamon Delight
DuckDuckgo