Australian Meat Pie
A hearty Australian meat pie with tender beef, rich gravy, and flaky pastry, perfect for comforting meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean steak (round rump is good) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped carrot
- 2 c. beef stock ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. plain flour
- 8 oz. short-crust pastry ⓘ
- 8 oz. rough puff pastry ⓘ
- beaten egg for glazing ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove all fat from steak and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan and fry steak in small batches until browned.
- Set aside the browned steak.
- Fry chopped onions until browned.
- Add chopped celery and carrot and cook a few minutes, stirring frequently.
- Return the browned meat to the saucepan.
- Add beef stock, cover, and simmer gently for about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Add salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg; simmer for an additional 30 minutes until meat is cooked.
- Blend soy sauce, plain flour, and a little water to make a smooth paste.
- Stir the paste into the saucepan and allow to thicken the gravy.
- Taste and adjust flavor if necessary.
- Allow the filling to cool while rolling out pastry or preparing pie shells.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different cuts of beef, such as chuck and brisket. If you want a lighter version, try using chicken or turkey instead of beef. You can also add mushrooms for depth. Ensure the filling is cool before encasing it in pastry to prevent sogginess. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic pairing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat pie with a side of garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with a rich gravy or your favorite sauce. For a hearty comfort food experience, enjoy it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Australian Meat Pie contains roughly 2723 calories, with 31g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 251g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (237% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meat pie?
Yes, you can freeze the meat pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and storing.
How can I make the pastry from scratch?
To make short-crust pastry from scratch, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cutting until crumbly. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time until it comes together. For rough puff pastry, follow a similar method with folding techniques for a flaky texture.
What can I substitute for beef stock?
If you don't have beef stock, you can use vegetable stock or chicken broth as a substitute. For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance the umami profile. This will keep the filling flavorful while accommodating different dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).