Australian Meat Pie – A Savory Icon from Down Under

Golden, flaky, and filled with rich savory beef — the Australian Meat Pie isn’t just a meal, it’s a cultural treasure. Every bite feels like a celebration of hearty flavors and simple comforts that never go out of style.

Beloved at sports matches, picnics, and pubs across the country, this handheld pie brings hearty flavors and homey comfort wherever it travels. If you love rustic, savory classics, you might also enjoy our Sausages in Onion Sauce with Mustard Mash, another down-to-earth favorite packed with rich, satisfying flavor.

With its tender, buttery pastry and juicy meat filling, the Australian Meat Pie is the kind of old-school favorite that wins everyone over — one flaky, delicious bite at a time. And if you’re looking for a lighter, colorful side to complete the meal, our Potato, Pear, and Onion Salad offers a fresh, savory complement.

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✅ Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 pies
• Difficulty: Moderate

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🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (450g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
• ¾ cup beef stock (180ml)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (5ml)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)

For the Pastry:

• 2 sheets store-bought shortcrust pastry (for the base)
• 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry (for the tops)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Australian Meat Pies

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to absorb the juices.
4. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes until thickened but still moist. Let cool completely.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Line individual pie tins with shortcrust pastry, trimming any excess.
8. Spoon the cooled beef filling into each shell.
9. Cover with puff pastry lids, sealing the edges and trimming neatly. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie.
10. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
11. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
12. Cool slightly before serving — best enjoyed warm!

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📌 Handy Tips for Success

• Let the beef filling cool completely before assembling the pies — it keeps the pastry crisp.
• Seal the edges tightly to prevent leaking during baking.
• Don’t skip the egg wash — it gives a beautiful golden finish!

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🔄 Fun Variations to Try

• Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese into the filling for a cheeseburger-style pie.
• Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Swap beef for ground lamb for a richer flavor profile.

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🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Pie)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

🌍 The Story Behind the Australian Meat Pie

The Australian Meat Pie has been a beloved staple since the 19th century, inspired by British settlers who adapted traditional meat pies to the Australian lifestyle.

Portable, hearty, and satisfying, they became a fixture at sporting events, bakeries, and cafes.

Today, the humble meat pie is considered a national dish — often served with ketchup and affectionately known as “Australia’s hand-held comfort food.”

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🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Australian Meat Pies

Serve your pies warm with a good squirt of tomato sauce (ketchup), a side salad, or a pile of hot, crispy fries.

They’re perfect for picnics, game days, casual dinners, or simply whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.

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❓ FAQs About Australian Meat Pies

Can I freeze homemade meat pies?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked or baked pies for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until piping hot.

What’s the best pastry to use?
Shortcrust for the base and puff pastry for the top creates the perfect balance of sturdy and flaky.

Do I need special pie tins?
Mini pie tins work great, but you can also make larger pies in a muffin tin or even a small casserole dish.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Golden, flaky, and bursting with rich beefy goodness, the Australian Meat Pie is more than just a dish — it’s a cozy, nostalgic bite of Aussie tradition.

Perfect for sharing… or savoring all to yourself.