Classic Meat Pie Recipe

This Classic Meat Pie recipe combines seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a crispy pie crust for a satisfying and flavorful bite. Perfect as a hearty snack, appetizer, or main dish, these homemade meat pies are packed with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a deliciously bold flavor. Fried or baked to golden perfection, they’re ideal for family gatherings, parties, or meal prep. If you’re searching for an easy meat pie recipe or traditional beef hand pies, this savory dish will be a favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground white pepper
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 4 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 4 fresh bay leaves
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ cup scallions, sliced
• 5 dashes of Louisiana hot sauce
• Pie dough (for 10-12 small pies)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Season the Meat: In a small bowl, mix together salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, white pepper, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and the spice mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, jalapeno, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue to cook for about 15 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the liquids have mostly evaporated.
4. Thicken the Mixture: Stir in the flour and water until the mixture is well combined. Add the sliced scallions and hot sauce, stirring to incorporate. Remove from heat and set the filling aside to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough to ¼ inch thickness. Use a 4-inch cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Place about 2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center of each circle. Brush the edges with the beaten egg, fold the dough in half, and press around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal.
6. Chill: Arrange the prepared meat pies on a greased surface or baking sheet. Place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before frying.
7. Fry the Pies: In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each pie until golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
8. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

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Tips

• Avoid overfilling: Filling the pies with too much meat can make sealing difficult and may cause them to burst while frying.
• Test oil temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. This will help the pies cook evenly and prevent them from absorbing too much oil.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use different meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a new flavor.
• Try alternative spices: For a Mediterranean twist, add oregano and cinnamon instead of chili powder and cumin.
• Baking option: For a lighter option, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.

FAQs

• Can I freeze these meat pies? Yes, freeze them unbaked. When ready to cook, simply fry or bake from frozen, adjusting the cook time slightly.
• How do I reheat meat pies? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with dipping sauce: Serve with spicy ketchup, aioli, or a yogurt dip for added flavor.
• Serve as an appetizer or main dish: These meat pies make a great appetizer, but you can also serve them with a side salad or rice for a full meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Classic Meat Pies are packed with bold flavors from spices, peppers, and savory beef. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for any occasion—whether as a delicious appetizer or a satisfying main dish. Plus, the option to bake or fry makes them versatile for different preferences.