Hey there, pie lovers!
Have you ever tried a New Zealand meat pie? If not, you’re in for a treat!
Today, I’m diving into this delicious classic that’s packed with flavor and comfort.
These savory pies are perfect for lunch or dinner, and trust me, they’re super easy to whip up at home.
Get ready to impress your taste buds and learn how to make these tasty bites! Let’s dig in!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For a vegetarian option, beef chuck can be replaced with a mixture of diced mushrooms and lentils. This combination provides a meaty texture and rich umami flavor while maintaining protein content. Adjust cooking time as needed, as vegetables will cook faster than meat. Bacon can be substituted with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor profile without animal products. For those avoiding alcohol, the stout beer can be replaced with an equal amount of beef broth or non-alcoholic beer, adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the rich, malty flavor of stout. If using additional broth, reduce the existing broth quantity slightly to maintain the desired consistency. These substitutions allow for dietary flexibility while preserving the savory, hearty essence of the meat pie.
| Preparation Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Total Time | 90-135 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2000
- Protein: 100-120 g
- Fat: 120-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound chopped bacon
- 1 pound beef chuck, cubed into bite-sized portions
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 diced onion
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup stout beer
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 chopped jalapeno (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, rolled
- 1 beaten egg yolk
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Meat
Begin by heating a skillet or Instant Pot to the sauté setting.
Coat your choice of meat with flour, salt, and pepper to add flavor and help it brown nicely.
Add oil to the skillet or Instant Pot, then add the beef and bacon.
Sauté until browned on all sides, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mix
Next, add the remaining ingredients to the pot.
For an Instant Pot, set it to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes.
If using a skillet, bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
Step 3: Thickening and Cooling
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the heat.
Stir in cornstarch to thicken the mixture, then let it cool.
You can refrigerate this mixture for up to two days if you wish to prepare the pies later.
Step 4: Prepare Pie Pastry
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out your pastry and use a pie tin to cut out circles for the pie tops.
For the pie bottoms, cut out circles about an inch larger than the tops to allow for adequate coverage.
Lightly spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the bottom pastry in each oversized muffin compartment.
Step 5: Assemble the Pies
Add half of the cheese to the bottom of each pie in the muffin tin.
Spoon the meat mixture on top of the cheese, ensuring even distribution among the pies.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the meat mixture to enhance the flavor and texture.
Step 6: Top and Bake the Pies
Place the pastry tops over the meat mixture, ensuring they are sealed tightly to the bottoms.
Brush with an egg wash to give a glossy finish and aid in browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
Once baked, allow a few minutes to cool before serving these savory meat pies.
