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aussie meat pies

November 17, 2019 by Lovoni +

1.3kviews
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There’s much to miss when you leave your homeland & live abroad. The obvious things of course – family, old friends, familiarity &…the food. I miss Australian food A LOT. Aussie meat pies included. On a grey, chilly day nothing beats a hot pie & a cuppa. This is nostalgia: encased in buttery shortcrust pastry, a rich beef filling & a flaky pastry top.

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aussie meat pies
aussie meat pies

Requiring a few basic ingredients, these meat pies rely on a good beef filling & excellent pastry. Two pastries – homemade & store-bought. For the base I use hot water pastry because it’s robust enough to contain the beef filling. Yet buttery enough to be short & delicious. Relax, hot water pastry is easy to make, just follow my recipe below & you’ll have success.

The best Aussie meat pies are the ones from bakeries. Good bakeries. Small hole-in-the-wall bakeries. This one tastes true-blue, fair-dinkum, just-like- home to me. I’m certain if I gathered a room full of my fellow countrymen together, we’d each tout different ideas of what makes a meat pie great. This is my version.

Although enjoying these meat pies in my cozy house in the US isn’t quite the same as sitting outside a pie shop on Sydney’s northern beaches, balancing the pie, with its scalding filling on my lap, as I squirt the obligatory ketchup over the top, it does tastes like the real deal. But, if you’ve never been fortunate enough to enjoy a pie in Australia, you’re just going to have to take my word for it. Lovoni xo

Here’s the link for the pie pans I bought from Ace Hardware. Or use disposable ones, just make sure you order the right size (check recipe) – both work.

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Aussie Meat Pies

You will need 8 x 4 1/2-inch, (12cm) pie pans (re-useable or disposable, I’ve used both & both produce comparable results). Pie pans measure 5 inches (12.7cm) across the top, including the rim & about 3 inches (7.6cm) across the bottom. I bought the re-useable pie pans from Ace Hardware store for $1.99 each. Once cooked, the pies can be frozen & reheated in the oven from frozen for about 40 minutes on 375°F/190°C.
Prep Time1 hr
Cook Time1 hr
cooling1 hr
Total Time3 hrs
Course: Baking
Cuisine: Australia, Australian
Keyword: aussie meat pies, meat pies
Servings: 8
Author: Lovoni Walker

Equipment

  • individual pie pans

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric
MEAT FILLING
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20) minced beef (907g)
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2/3 cup tomato ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
HOT WATER PASTRY
  • 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter, chopped (6oz/170g)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 2/3 cups all purpose flour, approximately plain flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
PUFF PASTRY TOPS
  • 1 x 17.3 oz store-bought puffed pastry sheets, thawed according to package directions (490g)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • tomato ketchup, to serve

Instructions

To make the filling:

  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes or until softened.
  • Add beef; cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes or until browned.
  • Add flour, salt & pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to cook the flour.
  • Stir in broth, ketchup, sauce & tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until sauce is thickened; cool.

To make the hot water pastry:

  • Place butter & water in a large saucepan over high heat. Cook, stirring until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; gradually stir in flour & salt. Stir until a soft dough forms a ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; gently pressing to form a disc. Cut the dough in half & form two discs.
  • Roll out one half disc between 2 layers of floured parchment paper until 1/8 inch (2mm) thick. Cut four, 5 3/4-inch (14.5cm) circles from pastry; set aside. Repeat with remaining pastry half. Line eight, 4 1/2-inch, (about 12cm) lightly greased pie pans with pastry circles, gently pressing the pastry into the pans & onto the rim; set aside.

To make puff pastry tops:

  • Place a sheet of pastry on lightly floured surface. Cut four, 5-inch (12.7cm) rounds from pastry; repeat with remaining sheet of pastry.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide filling between the pie pans. Brush the edge of the puff pastry rounds with egg. Place, egg side down over filling. Press the pastry edges together with a fork to seal. Brush tops with egg. Cut a slit in top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Place pies on a baking sheet to catch any spillage. Bake on the bottom rack of preheated oven for 35 minutes or until pastry is cooked & golden. Serve with ketchup. Makes 8.
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Filed Under: Beef, Lamb & Wild, featured, Lunch, Make-ahead & Freeze, Pies, Tarts & Pastries, Seasonal - fall & winter Tagged With: aussie meat pies, meat pies, pies

Comments

  1. Jentry says

    March 19, 2021 at 9:39 am

    I went to Australia for a couple weeks to play softball the summer I graduated from high school. We were in Sydney and the Gold Coast. It was the most beautiful place I have ever been. I stayed with a host family that took me to a rugby match. While there I got to enjoy the most amazing food truck delicacy. It was love at first bite. Much better than the vegemite they made me try the night before. Lol. From that point on I had to try an Aussie meat pie at every location I could. Now it’s been years since I visited and I have a craving for them again. So glad I was able to find this recipe so I can try to make them for my family to enjoy back home! Thank you!

    • Lovoni says

      March 27, 2021 at 9:31 am

      Having grown up on meat pies, I can tell you these are as close to what I consider an Aussie pie as they could be. I hope you enjoy them.
      Cheers,
      Lovoni

hello there...

I'm Lovoni - an Aussie living abroad for the last 21 years. Working in food media, I'm a cookbook author; food stylist; cookery teacher & I had a TV food show when I lived in Canada. As a certified nutritionist I believe in nourishment not punishment & love pastry, good wine & afternoon teas. Full of wanderlust, I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure...

Read more...

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And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

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Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
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Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
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.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever

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