Traditional British Meat Pie Recipe

Introduction

This traditional British meat pie is a comforting classic that brings warmth and heartiness to the table. Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and vegetables, encased in a flaky crust, it’s perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, allowing it to slightly overhang the edges.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot, cooking until the vegetables are softened.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well. Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Simmer the filling for about 5 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Cover with the second crust, crimp the edges to seal, and cut several slits on the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Step 5: Beat the egg and brush it evenly over the top crust. This gives the pie a golden, glossy finish when baked.
6. Step 6: Bake the pie for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.
7. Step 7: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the filling while it simmers.
• Swap out the ground beef for ground lamb or a mixture of beef and pork for a different taste.
• Add peas or mushrooms to the filling for extra vegetable variety.
• Use leftover cooked meat and vegetables to save time on preparation.
• If you prefer, use a pre-made puff pastry crust for a lighter, flakier top layer.

Storage

Store leftover meat pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes to maintain crispness. You can also freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the pie filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Bring it back to room temperature before filling the crust.

What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can provide a similar depth of flavor.

Traditional British Meat Pie Recipe

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This Traditional Meat Pie recipe combines ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and classic British flavors inside a flaky, golden pastry crust. Perfectly baked to achieve a cozy, hearty meal, this meat pie brings comforting charm to your table with a savory filling enriched by Worcestershire sauce and herbs, wrapped in a tender crust.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Savory Pie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling 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

Pie Crust and Topping

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate letting the edges slightly overhang to accommodate the filling and top crust.
2. Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour to coat the mixture evenly, then gradually add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce along with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir well and let the filling simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Fill and Cover: Pour the cooled meat filling evenly into the prepared pie crust in the pie plate. Cover the filling with the second pie crust, carefully crimp the edges to seal the pie, and cut slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Egg Wash: Beat one egg in a small bowl and brush it gently over the top pie crust to create a beautiful golden finish when baked.
5. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while the rest of the pie finishes baking.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to settle. This resting step helps the pie slice nicely without the filling spilling out. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy British charm.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• If using store-bought pie crusts, make sure they are fully thawed before baking to prevent sogginess.
• For a thicker filling, allow the cooked filling to simmer a little longer or add a tablespoon more flour.
• Cover pie edges with foil halfway through baking if they brown faster than the rest of the crust.
• Letting the pie rest is important to maintain the structure when slicing.

Keywords: Traditional Meat Pie, British Meat Pie, Ground Beef Pie, Savory Pie Recipe, Comfort Food, Classic British Dish