Ground Beef Meat Pie

Imagine cutting into a golden, flaky crust that gives way to a savory, aromatic filling of perfectly seasoned Ground Beef Meat Pie. This classic comfort food combines the hearty richness of ground beef with vegetables and spices, all encased in a buttery pastry that’s both rustic and elegant. The Ground Beef Meat Pie is a versatile dish that spans culinary traditions from British pub fare to Australian picnic classics. You’ll learn how to create a pie with the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make this recipe a regular in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Meat Pie recipe stands out for its perfect combination of convenience and homemade quality. The contrast between the crisp, buttery exterior and the juicy, savory filling creates a textural symphony that makes each bite satisfying. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade beef pie allows you to control the seasonings and quality of ingredients, resulting in a fresher, more flavorful experience.

The recipe is incredibly versatile – it works as a cozy family dinner, an impressive contribution to potlucks, or individual hand pies for lunch boxes. The meat filling can be prepared ahead of time, making assembly quick when you’re ready to bake. Even kitchen beginners can achieve impressive results with this straightforward recipe.

Best of all, this Ground Beef Meat Pie creates that wonderful aroma that fills your home with the promise of comfort and satisfaction – the kind that draws everyone to the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5-6 tablespoons ice water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1½ pounds (680g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about ¾ cup)
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced (about ½ cup)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• ½ cup frozen peas

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Ground Beef Meat Pie requires attention to a few critical techniques. First, the key to flaky pastry is keeping everything cold. Chill your butter, use ice water, and refrigerate your dough for at least an hour before rolling. If the dough becomes too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Second, don’t rush cooking the filling. Take time to properly brown the beef – this means resisting the urge to stir constantly. Allow the meat to develop a caramelized crust by letting it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes before stirring. This develops deep, rich flavors that make your beef pie extraordinary.

Finally, ensure your filling is completely cool before adding it to your pastry. Hot filling will melt the butter in your dough prematurely, preventing those beautiful flaky layers from forming. For best results, make your filling a day ahead and refrigerate overnight – this also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more complex and satisfying savory meat pie.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just begins to come together. Divide the dough into two portions (one slightly larger for the bottom crust), form into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to coat.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas, then remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the larger disc of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish with some overhang. Gently press into the dish. Add the cooled beef filling. Roll out the second disc and place over the filling. Trim excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the top crust for a golden finish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the pastry is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil. Let the Ground Beef Meat Pie rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Variations

Shepherd’s Pie Style Beef Pie: For a twist on the traditional Ground Beef Meat Pie, skip the pastry top and instead spread creamy mashed potatoes over the beef filling. Bake until the potatoes develop a golden crust. This variation combines the best of both meat pie and shepherd’s pie traditions.

Aussie-Inspired Meat Pie: Create Australian-style meat pies by dividing the filling between 6-8 individual pie tins or using a muffin tin for handheld versions. These personal beef pies are perfect for picnics or packed lunches. Add a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to the filling for that authentic Down Under flavor.

Mediterranean Beef Pie: Transform the flavor profile by adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pinch of oregano to the filling. Replace some of the beef broth with red wine and incorporate feta cheese crumbles just before sealing the pie for a Greek-inspired savory beef pie variation.

Storage and Serving

The Ground Beef Meat Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated slices in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or frozen slices for 30-35 minutes until heated through.

Serve warm slices of beef pie with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced meal. For a traditional pub-style presentation, pair with mushy peas or baked beans on the side. The Ground Beef Meat Pie also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of tomato chutney or brown gravy for added moisture and flavor.

For an elegant dinner presentation, place each serving on a warmed plate with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of reduced beef stock or red wine sauce around the plate.

FAQs

Can I make this beef pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also assemble the entire pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours, or freeze it for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

My pastry falls apart when I roll it. What am I doing wrong?
If your pastry is crumbly, it may be too dry. Add a little more ice water, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s sticking and tearing, it may be too warm – chill it for 15-30 minutes before trying again.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Ensure your filling is completely cool before adding it to the pastry. You can also blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes at 375°F before adding the filling.

Can I use store-bought pastry instead?
Absolutely! Two refrigerated pie crusts or a package of puff pastry works perfectly as a time-saving alternative.

What can I substitute for beef in this recipe?
Ground lamb makes an excellent substitute for a traditional shepherd’s pie flavor. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works well, though you may want to increase the seasonings slightly.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Meat Pie is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of flaky, buttery crust and richly seasoned beef filling that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations and requested for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter evening or as a hearty meal any time of year, this savory pie delivers satisfaction with every bite.

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