Aussie Meat Pie is an iconic dish that has earned a firm place in the culinary history of Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, but it continues to be loved by people across both countries. Perfect for sporting events, construction sites, picnics, and parties, this pie is a hearty and portable meal that has become a timeless classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make four delicious Aussie Meat Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 14 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 cup beef stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Vegemite (or 1 cube vegetable bouillon)
- 4 sheets pie pastry (frozen, thawed)
- 1 large egg
- Ketchup, for serving
Step-by-Step Guide to Aussie Meat Pie Recipe
1. Preparing the Meat Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Once the onions are ready, add the ground beef and cook it for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This will allow the beef to brown evenly.
While the beef is cooking, you can prepare the cornstarch mixture. In a small container, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of beef stock. Set this aside for later use.
Once the beef is browned, it is optional to drain the fat, but since you’re using lean ground beef, it should be fairly fat-free. Now, add the remaining beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Vegemite (or a vegetable bouillon cube) into the skillet with the beef. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
Next, pour in the cornstarch-water mixture you set aside earlier. Stir the mixture again and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 10 minutes, or until the filling thickens. After this, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool down.
2. Assembling the Pies
While the meat filling cools, it’s time to prepare the pie dough. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough. Take a pie tin and use it as a guide to cut a circle around it. You should repeat this process to make four circles, which will serve as the pie tops. Once done, cover these circles loosely with plastic wrap and set them aside.
For the pie bases, take the remaining pie dough and place the pie tin on top again. Cut a circle that is about 1/2 inch larger than the tin. Repeat the process for the other three bases.
3. Baking the Aussie Meat Pies
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble the pies. Press the dough bases into the pie tins and press it up the sides. Next, fill the pies with the cooled meat mixture.
To seal the pies, brush the rims of the dough with water. Place the pie tops over the meat filling and use a fork to press the edges together. If necessary, trim the edges to ensure a neat finish. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for that golden, glossy finish.
Place the assembled pies on a baking tray to catch any drips, and bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Once baked, serve with your favorite tomato ketchup for a truly authentic experience.
Why You’ll Love This Aussie Meat Pie Recipe
Aussie Meat Pies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them as a snack at a sporting event or as a meal for lunch or dinner, these pies offer a satisfying and flavorful experience. The rich, savory filling combined with the golden, flaky crust makes each bite a treat to savor.
So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Australia and New Zealand, these homemade Aussie Meat Pies are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
By following this easy step-by-step guide, you’ll have a plateful of mouthwatering Aussie Meat Pies in no time. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, these savory pies come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy these delightful pies with a side of tomato ketchup, and don’t forget to share the recipe with loved ones so they can enjoy it too!