Easy Classic French Meat Pie

Easy Classic French Meat Pie—a savory delight that’s sure to transport you to the rustic kitchens of rural France. Picture tender chunks of seasoned meat enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust, baked to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner centerpiece or a comforting lunchtime treat, this timeless dish is a celebration of traditional French cuisine at its finest. So, channel your inner chef and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of France with our simple and delicious meat pie recipe.

Resume of the recipe: Embrace the rustic charm of French cooking with our Easy Classic French Meat Pie—a dish that embodies the essence of traditional French comfort food. With its rich, savory filling and golden pastry crust, this meat pie is a true labor of love that’s worth every bite. Whether served alongside a crisp green salad or enjoyed with a glass of red wine, this timeless recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor the simple pleasures of French cuisine with our easy-to-follow meat pie recipe.

Exciting Story: In our quaint kitchen nestled in the French countryside, where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air and the crackling of the fireplace echoes through the room, we’re preparing a feast fit for a king—an Easy Classic French Meat Pie that has been passed down through generations. As we lovingly prepare the filling, combining tender cuts of meat with aromatic herbs and spices, we can’t help but feel a sense of connection to the generations of cooks who came before us. With each fold of the pastry and brush of the egg wash, we’re preserving a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time—a tradition that brings comfort, joy, and a taste of France to every table it graces.

Why This Recipe Rocks:

• Traditional Flavors: Our meat pie recipe stays true to the authentic flavors of French cuisine, delivering a taste of rustic comfort with every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples and a few key ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course for dinner, pack it for a picnic, or enjoy it as a hearty lunch—the options are endless!

What i need to make Easy Classic French Meat Pie

For the Filling:

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Make Easy Classic French Meat Pie:

1. Prepare Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
2. Season: Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Thicken: Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir until well combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add the beef or vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Prepare Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Assemble Pie: Divide the pastry dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a floured surface to fit the bottom of a pie dish. Fill the pie dish with the cooled meat mixture. Roll out the remaining portion of pastry dough and place it over the filling.
6. Seal and Vent: Press the edges of the pastry together to seal the pie. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges with a fork. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meat pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Serve: Remove the meat pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm, with your favorite side dishes or accompaniments.

Tips For Easy Classic French Meat Pie:

• For added flavor, you can substitute ground beef or lamb with a combination of both meats.
• Make sure the butter for the pastry dough is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky crust.
• You can customize the filling by adding additional vegetables such as peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Serve the meat pie with a dollop of Dijon mustard or a side of tangy chutney for extra flavor.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Classic French Meat Pie:

• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling. Try adding fresh parsley, thyme, or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.
• For a richer filling, you can add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
• Make individual-sized meat pies by using small pie dishes or ramekins and dividing the pastry and filling accordingly.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Classic French Meat Pie:

• Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a lower-fat alternative to ground beef or lamb.
• Increase the ratio of vegetables to meat in the filling for added nutrition and fiber.
• Replace the butter in the pastry dough with a non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening or a combination of butter and olive oil for a healthier fat option.

Closing: Transport your taste buds to the charming villages of France with our Easy Classic French Meat Pie—a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its flavorful meat filling and flaky pastry crust, this timeless recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, embrace the rustic elegance of French cuisine and savor the simple pleasures of homemade comfort food with every delicious bite of this classic meat pie.

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Classic French Meat Pie:

Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Can I use store-bought pastry dough instead?

Yes, you can use store-bought pastry dough as a time-saving option. Simply follow the package instructions for rolling and baking.

Can I freeze leftover meat pie?

Yes, you can freeze leftover meat pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this pie?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust for the top?

Yes, you can use puff pastry for a flakier crust. Simply roll out the puff pastry to fit the top of the pie and follow the same baking instructions.