If you’re searching for the perfect blend of crispy, flaky, and juicy, this Savory Puff Pastry Meat Pie with Garlic-Mustard Sauce is a must-try. Golden puff pastry envelops a flavorful filling of seasoned ground meat, soft onions, and gooey mozzarella, baked to perfection and served with a tangy, spicy garlic-mustard sauce. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough for guests. Whether served as a main meal or cut into slices for a party appetizer, this pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
Cooking Time
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Preparation time: 25 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meat Pie Filling and Pastry:
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500 g puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
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500 g minced meat (beef or mixed beef and pork)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 g black pepper
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3 g salt
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50 ml water
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100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 eggs (for binding and brushing)
For the Garlic-Mustard Sauce:
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15 g garlic (about 3 cloves), minced
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1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 egg
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30 g mustard (Dijon or your preferred type)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and 50 ml of water. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the onion is soft and the mixture is juicy but not wet. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry Base:
Roll out your puff pastry into a large rectangle or two even layers if you’re making a pie with a top crust. Place one layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Assemble the Filling:
Spoon the cooled meat mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1–2 cm border around the edge. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the meat. Beat one egg and brush the edges of the pastry to help seal the pie.
4. Top and Seal the Pie:
Place the second layer of puff pastry over the filling (if using a top crust) and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Brush the top with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake the Pie:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the assembled pie for about 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
6. Prepare the Garlic-Mustard Sauce:
While the pie is baking, prepare the sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic, chili pepper, lemon juice, mustard, and 1 raw egg. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Chill until serving.
7. Serve:
Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with generous spoonfuls of garlic-mustard sauce on the side.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving, serves 6)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 25 g
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Fat: 35 g
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Carbohydrates: 28 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sodium: 520 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This puff pastry meat pie draws inspiration from traditional European and Middle Eastern meat pastries. Whether it’s Russian pirozhki, Turkish börek, or British meat pies, the concept of encasing savory meat in pastry is beloved worldwide. The addition of garlic-mustard sauce gives it a unique modern flair reminiscent of Eastern European and Mediterranean condiments.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless Elegance: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps yield a professional-looking, bakery-style pie.
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Versatile: Serve it as a main course, snack, or even a party appetizer.
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Family Favorite: The mild meat and cheese filling pleases both kids and adults.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling or the full pie in advance and bake when ready.
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Customizable: Add herbs, vegetables, or swap cheeses to suit your taste.
Health Benefits
While indulgent, this dish offers a balance of protein, fats, and carbs. Using lean minced meat helps reduce fat, and adding garlic and chili offers anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting benefits. You can increase the health profile by pairing it with a fresh green salad or serving with a yogurt dip.
Serving Suggestions
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With salad: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber-tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette.
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With soup: Pair with a bowl of tomato or lentil soup for a warming meal.
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Party Platter: Slice into small squares and serve with toothpicks for a finger food spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overfilling the pie: This can cause the pastry to tear or leak during baking.
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Not sealing the edges properly: Always brush the border with egg and crimp well.
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Undercooking the filling: Ensure the meat mixture is fully cooked before adding to the pastry.
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Overbaking: Puff pastry can darken quickly, so keep an eye on it after 25 minutes.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drink: Try a dry red wine like Merlot or a crisp pilsner beer. Non-alcoholic? Go for sparkling water with lemon.
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Side Dish: Roasted vegetables, garlic green beans, or a light coleslaw.
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Dip Alternative: For a milder option, serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt with dill.
Cooking Tips
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Thaw puff pastry completely: If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before rolling to avoid cracks.
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Cool the filling: Hot filling can cause the pastry to get soggy.
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Vent the top pastry: If using a top crust, make small slits to let steam escape.
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Brush with egg wash: This gives the pie its signature golden sheen.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce
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Turkish Börek with Feta and Spinach
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Chicken Pot Pie with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
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Cheese-Stuffed Meat Rolls in Puff Pastry
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Mushroom and Onion Tart with Thyme
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian version: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta instead of meat.
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Spicy twist: Add cayenne or more chili flakes to the filling.
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Cheese lovers: Mix in sharp cheddar or gouda with the mozzarella.
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Middle Eastern-style: Season with cumin, cinnamon, and allspice for a spiced meat filling.
Ingredient Spotlight
Puff Pastry: This buttery, flaky dough is the foundation of many elegant recipes. Its layered structure is created by folding and rolling butter into dough repeatedly. When baked, steam causes the layers to puff up, creating a crisp, airy texture. Store-bought puff pastry is a huge time-saver and works beautifully here.
Conclusion
This Savory Puff Pastry Meat Pie with Garlic-Mustard Sauce offers everything you want in a comforting meal: rich flavor, crisp texture, and a sauce that brings it all together. It’s perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or anytime you want something delicious and easy. Add this to your meal rotation and watch it become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
2. Can I freeze the baked pie?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. Mozzarella melts well, but cheddar, gouda, or even provolone also work great.
4. Is it possible to use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
5. What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use pie crust dough or phyllo pastry, though the texture will differ.
6. Is the raw egg in the sauce safe to eat?
Use pasteurized eggs if you’re concerned about food safety. Alternatively, skip the egg and use yogurt or mayonnaise as a base.
7. How spicy is the garlic-mustard sauce?
It has a medium heat from the chili. You can adjust by using less chili or removing the seeds.
8. What can I serve with this pie?
Green salad, soup, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.
9. Can I make individual pies instead of one large one?
Yes! Divide the filling into smaller portions and wrap in pastry for hand pies. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.