Looking for the perfect meat pie to satisfy your cravings? Below youll find a quick rundown of the most beloved types of meat pies, where they come from, and a simple meat pie recipe you can try tonight. Whether youre hunting for an Australian classic, a spicy Louisiana treat, or a comforting British staple, Ive got you covered.
What Is a Meat Pie
Definition and Core Components
At its heart, a meat pie is a pocket of seasoned meat (or a mixture of meat and veggies) sealed inside a pastry crust. The crust can be flaky puff pastry, buttery shortcrust, or even a deepfried dough shell. The filling usually includes meat pie ingredients such as beef, lamb, chicken, stock, herbs, and sometimes a splash of wine or cream.
Hand Pie vs. Pot Pie vs. Pt
Hand pies are portablethink empanadas or the Natchitoches meat piewhile pot pies are baked in a dish and served with a spoonful of gravy. Pts, on the other hand, are more like a spread than a sealed crust, but they share the same comforting meatandseasoning DNA.
| Pastry Type | Typical Shape | Common Meats |
|---|---|---|
| Shortcrust | Round, handheld | Beef, pork, lamb |
| Puff pastry | Triangular, flaky | Chicken, turkey |
| Deepfried dough | Halfmoon | Pork, beef, sausage |
Expert Insight
The key to a great crust is keeping the fat cold until it hits the oven, advises pastry chef Emily Hart of the Australian Meat Pie Association. , this technique dates back centuries and is why many traditional pies still wow us today.
Global Pie Tour
Empanadas Spain & South America
Originating from Spanish colonists, empanadas are goldenbrowned pockets filled with spiced beef, pork, or chicken. Theyre perfect for handheld snacking and come in dozens of regional variations.
Pastilla Morocco
Pastilla mixes sweet and savory by layering flaky phyllo with spiced pigeon or chicken, almonds, and powdered sugar. Its an elegant twist on the usual meat pie concept.
Chicken Pot Pie United States
The American classic features a creamy chickenandvegetable filling under a buttery crust. Its comfort food in a casserole dish, often served with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes.
Sfiha Lebanon
These openfaced minipies are topped with minced lamb, pine nuts, and a dash of sumac. Theyre a staple at Lebanese bakeries and perfect for brunch.
Tourtire Canada
Traditionally served during the holidays, the tourtire combines pork and beef in a spiced filling, all encased in a shortcrust pastry. Its hearty, aromatic, and deeply rooted in FrenchCanadian culture.
Australian Meat Pie Australia
Think golden crust, tender beef mince, rich gravy, and a dash of tomato sauce. The Aussie version often arrives with a side of mushy peas, and some even love it floated in pea soupaka the pie floater.
Natchitoches Meat Pie United States (Louisiana)
This deepfried, pepperspiced pork pie hails from Natchitoches, Louisiana. Its famously crisp on the outside and juicy inside, a true Cajun delight.
Shepherds Pie United Kingdom
While technically a pie without pastry, its worth mentioning because of its meatandpotato topping that many confuse with a traditional crustbound pie.
Steak & Kidney Pie Britain
A beloved pub staple, this pie packs diced beef, kidney, and a robust alebased gravy into a shortcrust envelope.
Cornish Pasty England
Born for miners, the pasty wraps beef, potatoes, and swede in a thick, handheld crustjust the right size to eat with your dirty hands.
Beef n Corn Chip Pie NewZealand
A fusion experiment where a cornchip crust adds crunch to a seasoned beef filling. Its a playful nod to Kiwi creativity.
Beef Korma Curry Pie IndiaUK Fusion
Imagine a classic British pie infused with aromatic Indian spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender beef. The result is a meltinyourmouth blend of cultures.
Irish Stew Pie Ireland
Roasted lamb, carrots, and potatoes meld together under a buttery crust, delivering the warmth of an Irish cottage kitchen.
Nigerian Meat Pie Nigeria
These small, spicy hand pies are packed with seasoned beef, carrots, and peasperfect for a quick snack or party platter.
Mexican Empanada de Carne Mexico
Chilispiced ground beef fills a cornflour crust, often fried to a golden finish and served with salsa for dipping.
Choosing Your Perfect Pie
Not sure which one to try first? Ask yourself:
- Do I crave something mild or spicy?
- Do I prefer baked or fried?
- Am I looking for a glutenfree option?
Making a quick prosandcons table can help you narrow down the perfect bite.
| Flavor Profile | Baked / Fried | GlutenFree? |
|---|---|---|
| Mild, creamy | Baked | Yes (with almond flour crust) |
| Spicy, smoky | Fried | No |
| Sweetsavory | Baked | Depends on crust |
DIY Meat Pie Recipe
Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
- 1cup allpurpose flour
- cup cold butter, cubed
- cup icecold water
- 1lb ground beef (or your favorite meat)
- cup diced onion
- 1carrot, finely chopped
- 2tbsp tomato paste
- cup beef stock
- 1tsp Worcestershire sauce
- tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
StepbyStep Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C (390F). In a bowl, combine flour and butter; rub together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 20minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add onion, carrot, and tomato paste. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5minutes.
- Stir in beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 8minutes. Let it cool.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Cut into 12cm circles (or any shape you like).
- Place a spoonful of filling on each dough circle, fold over, and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden shine.
- Bake for 2530minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the pies rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or peas.
Chefs Tips
Keep the butter as cold as possible to achieve that flaky texture. If youre short on time, you can use storebought puff pastrybut remember, a homemade crust always wins the homecooked award.
Quick Answers to Common Curiosities
What are the main types of meat pies?
Meat pies range from baked hand pies (empanadas, Natchitoches), to pot pies (chicken pot pie), to layered classics (steak & kidney, tourtire). Each reflects its countrys favorite meat, spice blend, and pastry tradition.
Who invented meat pies?
The concept dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where hunters wrapped meat in dough to preserve it. The modern meatfilled pastry emerged in medieval Europe, evolving differently across regions. For a concise historical overview of meat pies and their evolution, see this short reference on the history of meat pies: history of meat pies.
How do I make a glutenfree crust?
Blend 1cup almond flour, cup coconut flour, cup chilled butter, and one egg. Add a pinch of xanthan gum for elasticity, chill, then roll between parchment sheets.
Whats the healthiest meat pie option?
Choose lean proteins like chicken or turkey, load the filling with vegetables, and swap white flour for wholegrain or oatbased crusts. Pair the pie with a bright green salad for balance.
Where did the Australian meat pie originate?
British settlers brought meat pies to Australia in the 1800s. Over time, locals adapted the recipe, creating the iconic Australian meat pie thats now a cultural emblem.
Wrapping It Up
From the spicy streets of Natchitoches to the cozy pubs of England, the worlds types of meat pies offer a delicious passport to culinary heritage. Whether youre baking a classic Australian meat pie, frying a bold Cajun version, or trying a glutenfree handpie, youre joining a tradition that spans centuries and continents.
Why not pick one youve never tasted and give it a whirl this week? Share your favorite pie story, swap tips, or let us know how your experiment turned out. If youre hungry for more global comfortfood ideas, consider signing up for our monthly newsletterpacked with recipes, history tidbits, and tasty challenges.
, enjoying a balanced portion of meat pie alongside vegetables can fit nicely into a varied diet. So go ahead, treat yourself, and enjoy the tasty journey!
FAQs
What are the most popular types of meat pies worldwide?
Favorites include the Australian meat pie, British steak & kidney pie, Argentine empanadas, American Natchitoches meat pie, and Lebanese sfiha, each reflecting local flavors and traditions.
How can I achieve a flaky crust for my meat pies?
Keep the butter (or shortening) cold, work quickly, and use ice‑cold water when forming the dough. Lightly flour the surface and avoid over‑mixing to preserve layers.
Is it possible to make a gluten‑free meat pie?
Yes—use a blend of almond flour, coconut flour, and a dash of xanthan gum, or purchase a gluten‑free pie crust mix. Fill it with your favorite lean meat and veggies for a safe alternative.
Which meat pies are best for spicy‑loving palates?
Try the Cajun‑spiced Natchitoches meat pie, Mexican empanada de carne, or Nigerian spicy meat pies. Adding chilies, smoked paprika, or hot sauce to the filling amps up the heat.
How long can homemade meat pies be stored?
Refrigerated pies stay fresh for 3‑4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze; they’ll keep up to 3 months and can be reheated directly from the freezer.
