Handcrafted Meat Pies with Shortcrust Pastry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Individual Australian-style meat pies filled with savory minced beef and gravy, encased in buttery shortcrust pastry, perfect for a satisfying meal. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 85 minutes layers (450g) minced beef, large, finely chopped onion, beef broth into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: To make the pastry, place 2 cups plain flour and 1/2 cup chilled butter cut into cubes in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/3 cup cold water gradually and pulse until the dough just comes together. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb minced beef to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking up lumps with a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp plain flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add 1 cup beef broth and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly until sauce thickens to a gravy consistency. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and cool.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out six 4-inch diameter circles for bases and six smaller circles for lids.
  7. Step 7: Line six greased muffin tins with the larger pastry circles. Fill each with the cooled beef mixture, then cover with the smaller pastry circles. Press edges to seal and brush tops with 1 egg yolk.
  8. Step 8: Bake pies for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Handcrafted Meat Pies with Shortcrust Pastry take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (45 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Handcrafted Meat Pies with Shortcrust Pastry?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Handcrafted Meat Pies with Shortcrust Pastry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Handcrafted Meat Pies with Shortcrust Pastry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Handcrafted Meat Pies with Shortcrust Pastry?

Australian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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