Australian Meat Pies: Flaky Australian Beef Hand Pies 🥧

The Australian meat pie is an iconic comfort food, beloved for its flaky, buttery crust and savory beef filling. These handheld delights are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a casual snack, entertaining guests, or craving a hearty meal on the go. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to create these traditional Australian meat pies step by step, so you can enjoy this culinary classic from the comfort of your own home.

What Makes an Australian Meat Pie Unique?

Unlike other pies, Australian meat pies are small, hand-held pastries packed with a rich and flavorful beef filling. The key features include:

• A flaky golden crust made with buttery pastry.
• A thick, savory beef filling often enhanced with Worcestershire sauce, onions, and spices.
• A compact, hand-held size, perfect for individual servings.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 4-5 tbsp ice-cold water

For the Beef Filling:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (or finely diced beef steak)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional, for texture and flavor)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk and Water: Add the egg yolk and 4 tbsp of ice water. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of water.
4. Knead and Chill: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Add black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add frozen peas (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

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