The secret to a sog-free Aussie meat pie

There’s no such thing as a bad pie, but some are undoubtedly better than others.

Aussie Meat Pie

Whenever I go on a road trip, I absolutely must get myself a meat pie. As imperative to the trip as fuel, a good playlist, and – of course – Maccas’ soft serves, meat pies have become synonymous in my family with good times and new adventures.

But, despite my tightly held belief that there’s simply no such thing as a bad pie, I do have to admit that not all meat pies are created equal. Some, I would argue, are lacking when it comes to the chunk department. Others just don’t have quite the right pastry. It’s not impossible, but rare, to come across a pie that ticks all the boxes.

Like this one does, for example. 

Our true-blue Aussie beef pie brings the good times to your kitchen

This family-sized beef pie ticks all the boxes and more. The filling has chunks of tender meat surrounded by hearty veg (with absolutely no pointless fillers in sight). The pastry is flaky and melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. 

But, perhaps best of all, the pastry is also completely sog-free. 

The secret to sog-free pastry: chill your fill

There’s nothing worse than a pie with a soggy bottom. Not only does it fall apart at the drop of a hat, but it also just doesn’t give you the satisfaction of the soft crunch as you bite into it. 

Luckily, this recipe has a clever workaround. The cook says: “I had always wondered why my pie came out uniformly soft on the bottom until I came across this tip! The mixture thickens and sets in the fridge, and then you cook the entire pie from cold, rather than a cold pie/hot filling combo.”

Sure, it takes a little longer to chill the filling in the fridge before constructing the pie, but I like to think of this as a worthwhile investment of time.

I also think this gives you even more reason to make a few at the same time and freeze some for later when the pie mood strikes. These pies really are the perfect no-fuss mid-week meal, food gift for the family down the road with a newborn, or comfort food after a long day. 

You can never go wrong with a meat pie, after all. 

Check out the recipe for our Aussie beef pie here, and be sure to let us know what you think.

Originally published as The secret to a sog-free Aussie meat pie