This Cheesy Minced Meat Pie with Puff Pastry is a savory and hearty dish that combines tender minced meat, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce—all encased in a buttery puff pastry. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a satisfying meal to serve at gatherings. With layers of savory goodness, this pie will become a favorite comfort food in your household.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: European, Comfort Food
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried peppers or chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) milk
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 50 g (2 oz) processed cheese
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
For Assembly:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:
Prepare the Filling:
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Heat the Skillet:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. This will help sauté the onion and carrot without sticking to the pan. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté them until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. -
Add the Minced Meat:
Add the minced meat (beef, pork, or a combination) along with the garlic, dried basil, chili flakes (if using), and salt. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. -
Incorporate the Cheese:
Once the meat mixture is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 100 g (1 cup) of shredded cheese, mixing until the cheese is well distributed. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
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Make the Roux:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will create a roux and remove the raw taste of the flour. -
Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until smooth. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. -
Finish the Sauce:
Add the pinch of nutmeg, processed cheese, and shredded cheese. Stir the mixture until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie:
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), ensuring it is at the right temperature to bake the pie to a golden, crispy finish. -
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry and place it in a greased or lined baking dish. Trim any excess pastry from the edges, if necessary, so the pastry fits neatly into the dish. -
Layer the Meat Filling:
Spread the cooked minced meat and cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, pressing it down gently to ensure an even layer. -
Pour the Cheese Sauce:
Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the meat filling, ensuring that it spreads evenly and covers the meat. -
Add the Eggs:
Beat the eggs and pour them gently over the cheese sauce, ensuring that they coat the entire surface. The egg mixture will help set the filling and add a golden finish.
Bake the Pie:
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Brush with Egg Yolk:
For a golden, glossy finish, brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg yolk. This will give the pastry a rich color as it bakes. -
Bake the Pie:
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. You may want to check the pie halfway through to ensure it’s baking evenly.
Serve:
- Cool and Slice:
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices. Serve the pie warm.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with a Fresh Salad:
Serve the pie with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the pastry and cheese sauce. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing works perfectly. -
Serve with Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, make a great side dish. The savory flavors complement the rich pie. -
Enjoy with a Glass of Wine:
A glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the minced meat pie. -
Serve as a Main Course:
This cheesy minced meat pie makes a hearty main course for dinner. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the extra cheese sauce.
Cooking Tips:
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Use Fresh Ingredients:
For the best flavor, use fresh minced meat and freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes have additives that affect the texture of the cheese sauce. -
Check the Pastry:
Keep an eye on the puff pastry while baking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. -
Customize the Filling:
Feel free to add extra vegetables to the filling. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can add more texture and flavor to the pie. -
Make it Ahead:
You can prepare the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, just place it in the preheated oven and follow the baking instructions. -
Experiment with Cheese:
Use a variety of cheeses for the cheese sauce to create a different flavor profile. Gruyère, Parmesan, or goat cheese are all excellent choices.
Variations to Try:
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Vegetarian Version:
Substitute the minced meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also add lentils or beans for a protein-packed filling. -
Spicy Meat Pie:
For an extra kick, add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the filling. This adds a spicy depth to the flavor. -
Add Herbs:
Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the filling for an extra burst of flavor. Fresh herbs elevate the overall taste of the pie. -
Use Different Pastry:
Try using a shortcrust pastry or phyllo dough instead of puff pastry for a different texture. Each type of pastry will give the pie a unique taste and crunch.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Minced Meat Pie with Puff Pastry is a comforting and versatile dish that brings together rich flavors and textures in every bite. Whether served for dinner, as part of a gathering, or simply as a cozy family meal, it is sure to be a hit. With its creamy cheese sauce, savory filling, and golden puff pastry, this pie combines all the elements of a hearty meal in one easy-to-make dish. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and make it a staple in your recipe collection!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Can I make the pie in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, follow the same instructions but bake for a few extra minutes.
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Can I freeze the pie? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time.
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Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavor combinations.
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How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy? Make sure the filling is not too wet and that you bake the pie until the pastry is golden and crispy. Pre-baking the bottom of the pastry for a few minutes can also help.
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Can I make this pie without meat? Yes! You can use a variety of vegetables or plant-based proteins in place of the meat for a vegetarian version.
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How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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Can I add extra vegetables to the filling? Yes, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach can enhance the flavor and texture of the filling.
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What should I serve this pie with? This pie pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of soup.
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Can I use a store-bought pastry? Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. Just make sure to thaw it properly before use.
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How do I know when the pie is fully baked? The pie is fully baked when the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also insert a thermometer into the center to ensure it’s at least 160°F (71°C).