Easy Beef Mince Pie Recipe – Classic Kiwi Mince and Cheese Pie

Nothing beats a classic beef mince pie recipe for a hearty, homemade meal. Whether you're craving a comforting dinner or a savoury snack, this homemade mince pie recipe is packed with rich, meaty flavour and encased in golden, flaky pastry. Made with quality NZ beef, it's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a delicious mince pie that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

1kg ANZCO Foods beef mince
1 tsp oil
2 onions, finely diced
2 Tbsp garlic, crushed
10 mushrooms, finely diced
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp onion powder
3 carrots, grated
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 cups beef stock
3 tsp cornflour
1 cup grated cheese
3 sheets puff pastry

Method

Making the Beef Mince Mixture

1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms, stirring occasionally until softened.

2. Mix in the garlic, oregano, and onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined.

3. Add the grated carrots and continue to cook until they are softened.

4. Add the mince, breaking up any lumps, and cook until browned.

5. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Sprinkle in cornflour and stir for an additional 5 minutes.

Separate the mixture into two halves, placing one half into a container to freeze for a future meal.

Assembling the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Grease a baking dish and line the bottom and edges with puff pastry.

3. Spoon the mince mixture into the pastry-lined dish. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top.

4. Place the final sheet of puff pastry over the top. Trim any excess, then roll the edges to seal and crimp with a fork. Make 2-3 slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake until the pastry is golden brown, approximately 30-35 minutes. Serve the pie hot with a side of vegetables.

Alternative Uses for the Beef Mince Mixture:

• Shepherd's Pie: Top the mince mixture with mashed potatoes or kūmara.
• Mince on Toast: Spread the mince mixture on toast and top with cheese.

FREEZE FOR LATER

Make one pie for dinner and freeze the mince mixture after its cooked for another meal later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the secret to a great beef mince pie?

A great beef mince pie starts with quality beef mince and a rich, well-seasoned filling. Slow-cooking the mince with ingredients like onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock enhances the flavour. Using butter-rich puff pastry for the top and a shortcrust base creates the perfect combination of crispy and flaky textures.

2. Can I make a mince and cheese pie with this recipe?

Yes. To turn this into a classic Kiwi mince and cheese pie, simply add grated cheese to the filling before sealing the pie. Tasty or Colby cheese works well as it melts smoothly and adds extra richness.

3. What pastry is best for mince pies?

For the best texture, use shortcrust pastry for the base as it holds up well and puff pastry for the top to create a flaky, golden crust. If you prefer a softer pie, you can use shortcrust pastry for both the base and top.

4. Can I freeze homemade beef mince pies?

Yes. You can freeze unbaked or baked mince pies.

• Unbaked pies: Assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in cling film, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, cook straight from frozen at 180°C until golden.
• Baked pies: Let them cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 160°C until warmed through.

5. How do I stop my pie from going soggy?

To prevent a soggy base, try these tips:

• Blind bake the base for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Make sure the filling is thick and not too wet—simmer longer if needed.
• Cool the filling slightly before adding it to the pastry to avoid excess moisture.
• Place the pie dish on a preheated oven tray for a crispier bottom.

6. What can I serve with beef mince pie?

A classic Kiwi mince pie goes well with:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Steamed vegetables like peas and carrots
• A side salad for a lighter option
• Tomato sauce

7. Can I make a gluten-free beef mince pie?

Yes. Simply swap regular pastry for a gluten-free pastry or make a pot pie by skipping the base and using a gluten-free puff pastry lid. Also, check that all ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce and stock are gluten-free.

Looking for other quick and delicious mince recipes?

Try our Spaghetti Bolognese or Beef Nachos.