Traditional British Meat Pie Recipe

Introduction

This traditional British meat pie is a comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings. Filled with savory ground beef and vegetables, it features a flaky, golden crust that makes every bite delightful. Easy to prepare, it brings a taste of classic home cooking to your table.

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 the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and let the edges slightly overhang.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot, cooking until the vegetables are soft.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour to coat the meat and vegetables. Slowly add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes until it thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour the cooled meat filling into the prepared pie crust. Cover with the second crust, trim any excess dough, crimp the edges to seal, and cut slits on top to allow steam to escape.
5. Step 5: Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust to create a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the filling while simmering.
• Substitute the ground beef with ground lamb or chicken for a different twist.
• Add frozen peas or mushrooms for additional texture and taste.
• Use a store-bought pie crust for a quicker preparation, or make your own for a flakier result.

Storage

Store leftover meat pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to restore crispness. This pie can also be frozen 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. Just assemble and bake the pie when ready.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

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

Traditional British Meat Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

This Traditional Meat Pie recipe offers a classic British comfort food experience with a savory ground beef filling encased in a flaky, golden pie crust. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this hearty dish combines tender beef, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings simmered into a rich filling and baked to perfection.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 and Finishing

• 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 of the unbaked 9-inch pie crusts into a pie plate, allowing the edges to slightly overhang the dish.
2. Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour to coat the mixture, then gradually add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Allow the filling to simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Fill and Cover: Pour the slightly cooled beef filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Cover the filling with the second pie crust, then crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
4. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this traditional British meat pie.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or stock.
• You can substitute the ground beef with ground lamb or a combination of meats for variation.
• If you prefer a thicker filling, allow the meat mixture to simmer longer before cooling.
• Make sure to cool the filling slightly before filling the crust to avoid sogginess.
• Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to create decorative slits on the top crust for an attractive finish.

Keywords: Traditional Meat Pie, British Pie, Beef Pie, Comfort Food, Savory Pie