Traditional Meat Pie Recipe That Brings a Cozy British Charm

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines classic British comfort food with a deliciously simple approach. The ground beef filling is rich and flavorful, enhanced with savory Worcestershire sauce and herbs. The flaky pie crust provides the perfect contrast to the rich filling, making each bite melt in your mouth. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it an ideal dish for a relaxed meal at home. It’s like a hug in food form!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Filling:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Crust:

• 2 (9-inch) unbaked pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, letting it slightly overhang the edges.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced carrots. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, then add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes until thickened, then let it cool slightly.
3. Fill and Cover:
   • Pour the beef filling into the prepared pie crust.
   • Place the second pie crust over the top. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
   • Brush the top crust with a beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
4. Bake the Pie:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to settle and thicken. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Shepherd’s Pie Twist: For a Shepherd’s Pie-inspired version, add a layer of mashed potatoes on top of the filling before covering with the second crust.
• Puff Pastry Crust: You can use puff pastry instead of traditional pie crust for a different texture that’s flaky and buttery.
• Add Vegetables: You can add peas, corn, or parsnips to the filling for added flavor and texture.
• Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie before baking for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Yes, you can make a homemade pie crust using flour, butter, salt, and water. It adds an extra touch of homemade goodness!

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

3. Can I freeze the unbaked pie?

Yes, you can assemble the pie, then freeze it before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly, and bake it directly from frozen. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

4. How can I make the filling thicker?

If the filling is too runny, you can add a little more flour or cornstarch to thicken it. Cook the mixture for a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency.

5. Can I use a store-bought filling for this recipe?

If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made meat filling, though making the filling from scratch will give you a much fresher and richer flavor.

6. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

7. Can I add cheese to the filling?

Yes! Adding grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the filling will give it a delicious creamy texture and extra flavor.

8. Can I use other vegetables in the pie?

Absolutely! You can experiment with adding different vegetables like peas, leeks, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

9. Can I serve this pie with something on the side?

This meat pie pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

10. Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pie crusts and adjust the filling to ensure it’s gluten-free, like using gluten-free flour for thickening.

Conclusion

This Traditional Meat Pie is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the best of British cuisine. With its rich filling of ground beef, savory vegetables, and a buttery, flaky crust, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or a comforting weekend meal. Whether you’re serving it on its own or with a side of mashed potatoes, this meat pie will warm you from the inside out. Enjoy the rustic, cozy charm of this delicious British classic!

Traditional Meat Pie Recipe That Brings a Cozy British Charm

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

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Description

A hearty and comforting British meat pie with a savory filling of ground beef, carrots, and onions, wrapped in a flaky, golden crust.

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Ingredients

1 pound (450g) ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small carrot, diced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ cup (120ml) beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon dried thyme

2 (9-inch) unbaked pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, letting it slightly overhang the edges.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add chopped onion, garlic, and diced carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook for another minute, then add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened, then let cool slightly.
4. Pour beef filling into prepared pie crust. Place the second pie crust on top. Trim excess crust and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
6. Let pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

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Notes

For a heartier crust, use whole wheat or spelt flour.

Substitute ground turkey for leaner meat or add cheese to the filling for extra flavor.

Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Can add peas, corn, or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 50mg