Meat pies are a traditional Australian dish that has become a staple in the country's cuisine. This savory dish is typically made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with minced meat and various vegetables and spices.

Meat pies are often served with tomato sauce or ketchup, and they can also be paired with a side salad or fries for a more substantial meal.

Overall, Australian meat pies are a delicious and comforting dish that has become a cultural icon in the country. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a meal, they are sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

To make Australian meat pies, here is a step-by-step method:

Ingredients:

1- 500g beef mince

2- 1 onion, diced

3- 2 garlic cloves, minced

4- 2 tablespoons olive oil

5- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

6- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

7- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

8- 1 cup beef stock

9- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

10- Salt and pepper to taste

11- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

12- 1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 200°C.

2- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.

3- Add the beef mince to the pan and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon.

4- Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour, and stir until well combined.

5- Slowly pour in the beef stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

6- Add the thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened.

8- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into rounds to fit the size of your muffin tin.

9- Grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or butter and line each cup with a round of puff pastry.

10- Spoon the meat mixture into each cup, filling them about three-quarters full.

11- Cut out a second round of puff pastry and place on top of each meat-filled cup, pressing down the edges to seal.

12- Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg and pierce a small hole in the center of each one to allow steam to escape.

13- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

Note:

You can customize the filling by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving size: 1 pie (150g)

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 470mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 13g

500g Beef Mince:

• Calories: 1100
• Protein: 90g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Iron: Vital for oxygen transport in the blood.
• B vitamins: Supports energy production and brain function.
• Zinc: Important for immune function and wound healing.

1 Onion, Diced:

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Helps to reduce inflammation and combat free radicals.
• Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system.
• Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Sulfur Compounds: May help in detoxification and improving heart health.

2 Garlic Cloves, Minced:

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Allicin: Has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
• Vitamin B6 and C: Supports immune function and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Manganese: Helps in bone health and metabolism.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: May reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2 tablespoons Olive Oil:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Monounsaturated Fats: Good for heart health and reducing bad cholesterol levels.
• Antioxidants: Such as vitamin E, which protects cells from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Polyphenols: May help in protecting against certain diseases.

2 tablespoons Tomato Paste:

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Vitamins A and C: Support immune function and skin health.
• Potassium: Helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
• Low in Calories: A nutritious addition without adding too many calories.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce:

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Flavor Enhancer: Adds depth and umami to dishes.
• Vitamin B6 and Iron: Important for energy metabolism and oxygen transport.
• Trace Minerals: Such as zinc and selenium, which support immune function.

1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour:

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g

benefits:

• Carbohydrates: Provides energy.
• Iron and B Vitamins: Essential for energy production and blood health (in fortified flours).

1 cup Beef Stock:

• Calories: 86
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Collagen: Supports joint health and skin elasticity.
• Minerals: Such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health.
• Amino Acids: Like glycine, which supports digestion and sleep.

2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Thyme:

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Such as thymol, which help protect against cellular damage.
• Antibacterial Properties: May help in fighting infections.
• Vitamins C and A: Supports immune function and eye health.
• Manganese: Important for bone health and metabolism.

Salt and Pepper to Taste:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Salt (Sodium): Essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction (in moderation).
• Pepper: Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and has antioxidant properties.

2 Sheets Frozen Puff Pastry, Thawed:

• Calories: 1600
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 120g
• Carbohydrates: 120g

benefits:

• Carbohydrates: Provides energy.
• Fats: Adds texture and flavor to the dish.

1 Egg, Lightly Beaten:

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• Vitamins: Including B12 (important for nerve function), D (supports bone health), and A (important for vision).
• Choline: Supports brain health and cell membrane structure.
• Antioxidants: Such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.

These values are rough estimates and may vary based on the specific brands and exact quantities used. Additionally, cooking methods can impact nutritional content. Always refer to specific product labels for the most accurate information.

Overall, Australian meat pies are a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal. With a flaky pastry crust and a savory meat filling, these pies are sure to satisfy your taste buds.