Oven-Baked Australian Meat Pie with Beef and Onion Filling
A savory Australian classic featuring a flaky pastry crust filled with a rich, slow-simmered beef and onion mixture, perfect for a comforting meal. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 85 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (113g), cubed cold unsalted butter, cold water 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 450 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g), cubed cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 large, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large, beaten (for egg wash) egg
Instructions
- Step 1: To make the pastry, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubes in a large bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup cold water, mixing gently until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Step 5: Gradually add 1 cup beef broth and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the filling thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out two-thirds of the pastry dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish, trimming excess.
- Step 7: Spoon the cooled beef filling evenly into the pastry shell. Roll out the remaining dough to cover the top and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Step 8: Brush the top crust with 1 beaten egg to create a golden finish. Cut small vents on the top to release steam.
- Step 9: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Australian Meat Pie with Beef and Onion Filling 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 Oven-Baked Australian Meat Pie with Beef and Onion Filling?
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 Oven-Baked Australian Meat Pie with Beef and Onion Filling?
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 Oven-Baked Australian Meat Pie with Beef and Onion Filling 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 Oven-Baked Australian Meat Pie with Beef and Onion Filling?
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.