Homemade meat pie

Making a homemade meat pie is a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for family meals or special occasions. Here's a classic recipe for a savory meat pie with a buttery, flaky crust and hearty filling:

Ingredients:

For the pie crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp flour (to thicken)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

For the pie crust:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add the butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Form the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the filling:

1. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or mix) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Cook the veggies: Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Assemble the pie:

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the dough: Roll out one disc of dough and line a 9-inch pie dish with it.
3. Add the filling: Spoon the cooled filling into the pie shell.
4. Top the pie: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust for a golden finish.
6. Bake: Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Serve:

Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade meat pie!