Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe

Nigerian Meat Pie has never been this delicious, easy, and satisfying. Combine the savory beef, crusty pie, and yummy filling in one meal! In fact, it’s a family-friendly recipe for any occasion! Discover the deliciousness of Nigerian Meat Pie: a savory beef filling encased in a crusty pie. Perfect for any occasion!

tasty Nigerian meat pie recipe

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There are many pie recipes, but this African Nigerian Meat Pie is one of the best!

How to Make Nigerian Meat Pie

Not only will you have fun making the pastry, but you’ll also love baking the aromatic meat filling. 

Quick Tip!

Ingredients

For the filling

Minced (or diced) beef 

Minced beef is a healthy and tasty source of protein. Hence, it is usually used to make patties, meatballs, and Nigerian meat pies. This is also easy to cook and season to make it extra flavorful, tender, and juicy. 

I love the quality that it adds to Tortilla Wrap and Spaghetti Bolognese!

Onion

The onion contributes a pungent and mildly sweet taste to the filling. Once cooked, its caramelized texture can improve the quality of the Nigerian meat pie.

Carrots

Carrots can give a slightly sweet and earthy touch to beef. Their vibrant color also makes the meal tantalizing, especially after opening the meat pie. 

Did you know carrots can be converted into oil, powder, and baby puree?

Potatoes

The potato will surely add a creamy, sweet taste and soft texture that almost melts in your mouth, enhancing the overall quality of the meat pie. 

Enjoy the meat pie with a side of Mashed Potatoes from your leftover potatoes!

Seasoning

I recommend using salt, stock cubes, cumin, curry powder, and mixed herbs for the seasoning because these are accessible and simple flavoring ingredients to intensify the taste of the beef and vegetables. 

Thickener

This is an optional ingredient that you can make by dissolving flour or oat flour in a bit of water. The thickener helps to bind the filling together and prevent it from falling apart when you eat it.  

Sunflower oil 

Sunflower oil is an excellent option to use for sauteing and stir-frying. It’ll also allow you to cook on high heat without losing the nutrients or burning the dish. 

For the pastry

delicious meat pies
Plain flour 

Plain flour will be the base of the pastry so remember to use quality flour. Once activated and kneaded, it will seal inside the filling for an airy and crunchy texture. 

It adds crispness to any dish, such as Fried Fish, Chin Chin, and Fish Rolls!

Butter

Butter is handy for giving the Nigerian meat pie pastry a milky, buttery flavor, flaky texture, and gorgeous brown color after baking. It can also be used to grease the baking pan. 

Baking powder

Baking powder is the main leavening agent, allowing the pie to rise and expand. It reacts with the flour to make the crust crunchy. 

Nutmeg

Nutmeg has a sweet and nutty taste that truly improves the taste of the dough. It also adds flavor to other pastries like Puff Puff, Banana Bread, and Donuts!

Eggs

The eggs will help you seal the filling in the dough. It also serves as a basting ingredient for the pie before you bake it. Once cooked, the pie will have a golden color from the egg. 

Mea pie may look like a complicated dish, but from these ingredients alone, you can probably tell that it is actually easy to make! 

Directions

Nigerian Meat Pie Pastry (or Dough)

  1. Combine the plain flourbaking powdernutmeg, and sea salt in a mixer (or bowl).
  2. Add butter as you mix until crumbly.
  3. Make a hole in the middle, add eggs, and mix until it forms a dough. Add a tsp of water as required.
  4. Wrap in cling film and set aside in the fridge for later.

Meat Pie Filling

  1. Heat oil in a pan (pot or wok). on medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, mixed herbs, cumin, curry powder, paprika, stock cubes, and salt.
  3. Stir-fry with a spatula for 2 minutes.
  4. Add freshly diced beef (or minced meat), mix until well incorporated, and cook for two minutes.
  5. Add freshly chopped scotch bonnet and mix.
  6. Allow to cook for a further two minutes
  7. Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and swead.
  8. Mix until well incorporated, cover with a pot lid, and cook for seven minutes.
  9. Mix and cook for a further ten minutes.
  10. Sprinkle two tablespoons of oat flour (or all-purpose flour) over the cooked beef filling for a creamy and thick consistency.
  11. Mix until well combined and cook for three more minutes on low heat.
  12. Once cooked, set aside to cool.

Nigerian Meat Pie Molding

  1. Grease or line a baking tray with butter or parchment paper.
  2. Divide the dough into fourteen equal parts, about 100g each.
  3. Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough piece until it is about 5mm thick and 15cm in diameter on a flat, floured surface.
  4. Cut the flattened dough piece in circles using a pot lid or similar tools.
  5. Remove the excess dough.
  6. Add a spoonful of the meat filling on one side of the dough.
  7. Brush the whisked egg around the edge of the dough using a pastry brush.
  8. Fold the dough and press the edges with a fork to create a seal.

Nigerian Meat Pie Baking

  1. Place the meat pie on the tray and brush it with the whisked egg.
  2. Poke it with a fork to release air from the inside.
  3. Bake it at 175°C for 25 to 30 minutes or until slightly golden.

Undoubtedly, this Nigerian Meat Pie looks and tastes heavenly from the inside out! The crispy and flaky crust, the luscious filling, and the ultimate Nigerian delicacy experience!

easy Nigerian meat pie

Tips

How to Purchase and Preserve Minced Beef

Selection. Minced beef is readily available in packages in supermarkets. Additionally, ensure that the container is not damaged and is chilled in the fridge. According to Teys, the best meat is bright red with touches of brown. 

Storage. You can store it in the fridge, but use it within two days. Otherwise, it is best frozen in its original packaging or freezer bags for several weeks. 

How to Buy and Store Fresh Ingredients

Carrots

Selection. If you prefer sweet carrots, I suggest buying large ones with healthy color and firm texture. The carrot tops should also be bright green to indicate freshness. 

Storage. To refrigerate, chop off the carrot tops and place them in a resealable bag. Wash the carrots only when you’re ready to use them. 

Potatoes

Selection. According to Simply Recipes, go for potatoes that feel firm and heavy. They should not have any soft spots or bruises. 

Storage. Potatoes can be left at room temperature on the kitchen counter. There is also no need to place it in a plastic bag. 

How to Make and Preserve Dough

  • Mix the ingredients for the dough and knead with your hands or a mixer with a kneading attachment.
  • You’ll know it is ready when it bounces back immediately from slight pressure. 
  • Prepare the Nigerian meat pie dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking.
  • To carve out the circles, place a lid on the dough and cut it with a knife or use other kitchen tools to slice it. 
  • According to Master Class, the whole dough can be placed in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for next-day use. It can also be frozen in freezer bags for up to several weeks. 

No-Oven Meat Pie Recipes

Steam

If you don’t have oven access, I recommend the stovetop method.

  1. Put salt in the pot and place a hot pot stand in the middle.
  2. Preheat the pot for 5 minutes over low fire. 
  3. Arrange the egg-washed meat pies on a lined tray.
  4. Cover the lid with aluminum foil or a kitchen towel.
  5. Let the meat pie heat for 50 minutes or longer if needed. 
Fry
  1. Heat oil in a pot and slowly lower the meat pies into the oil.
  2. Fry them until they turn golden brown over medium fire.
  3. Place them on a lined tray or plate to drain the oil. 
Air Fryer
  1. Grease the air fryer basket with oil or butter.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for about 5 minutes.
  3. Then, distribute the pies in the basket.
  4. Bake the meat pie for 25 minutes.

Do this method in batches to cook them properly.

Nigerian Meat Pie Variations

The filling of the Nigerian meat pie can be cooked using different ingredients. You can also choose ground chicken, pork, beef, or smoked mackerel for protein.

You may also use celery, bell peppers, zucchini, peas, and more vegetables. In fact, you can add scotch bonnet or chili flakes to make it spicy.

To make the pie vegetarian, use broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, leeks, and more. Also, remember not to use too many watery vegetables to keep the puff pastry crispy.

Aside from making Nigerian meat pies in this form, you may also cook this in one baking pan for a circular meat pie. The dough can even be formed into different shapes and sizes to make it more fun to eat! 

  • Oven: Bake the meat pie in the oven.
  • Pan: Prepare the meat filling in a pan over the stove.
  • Wooden spatula: Combine ingredients using a wooden spatula.
  • Glass bowls: Prepare ingredients in glass bowls.
  • Fork: Use the fork to seal the meat pie. 
  • Rolling pin: Roll out the dough with a rolling pin. 
  • Pastry brush: Grease the dough with the egg wash using a brush. 
  • Baking tray: Arrange the pies on a baking tray to bake.
  • Pot lid: Carve out the pastry with a pot lid.

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How to Serve Nigerian Meat Pie

Nigerian Meat pie is best served with side dishes like:

The best ones for sauces include gravy, mustard, or any other condiments of your choice. 

Tasty this meat pie might be, limit your intake to about two meat pies every other week. You can also consume this for lunch, dinner, or snacks. 

tasty Nigerian meat pies

Storage Tips

  • At room temperature: Eat the Nigerian meat pie within 2 hours of baking to enjoy the flaky crust and warm filling. 

Quick Tip!

In the fridge: Wrap it in aluminum foil or cling film and place them in resealable bags or airtight containers. Refrigerate the pies to last up to 5 days. 

To freeze: According to Still Tasty, meat pies can be frozen to last up to 2 months. Do the same procedure mentioned above. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use wheat flour to make the dough? 

Yes, you can. However, note that using other kinds of flour can alter the taste and texture of the pastry. 

What is a Nigerian meat pie made of?

This Nigerian meat pie recipe uses minced (or diced) beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, and all-purpose flour in a curry-seasoned sauce. You can also use other meat or fish fillings for any variations.

Can you use eggs for the puff pastry? 

Of course. Adding eggs to the dough is a matter of preference. Moreover, you can try both options to determine which suits your taste better.

How to preserve Nigerian meat pie?

Wrap it in cling film and place them in resealable bags or airtight containers. Refrigerate the pies to last up to 5 days. meat pies can be frozen to last up to 2 months. 

tasty Nigerian meat pie

Nigerian Meat Pie (+VIDEO)

5 from 1 vote
Discover the deliciousness of Nigerian Meat Pie – a savory, family-friendly recipe with a crusty pie, flavorful beef filling and easy recipe for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 14 meat pies
Course Snack
Cuisine Nigerian
Calories 395kcal

Ingredients
 
 

for the pastry/dough

for the meat filling

for the thickener

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the pastry/dough.

  • In a mixer (or bowl), combine the plain flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and sea salt.
  • Add butter as you mix until crumbly.
  • Make a hole in the middle, add eggs, and mix until it forms a dough. Add a tsp of water as required.
  • Wrap in cling film and set aside in the fridge for later.

Step 2: Prepare the filling.

  • Heat oil in a pan or pot on medium heat.
  • Add diced onion, mixed herbs, cumin, curry powder, paprika, stock cubes, and salt.
  • Stire-fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add freshly diced beef (or minced meat), mix until well incorporated, and cook for two minutes.
  • Add freshly chopped scotch bonnet and mix.
  • Allow to cook for further two minutes
  • Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and swead.
  • Mix until well incorporated, cover with a lid and cook for seven minutes.
  • Mix and cook for a further ten minutes.
  • Sprinkle two tablespoons of oat flour (or all-purpose flour) over the cooked beef filling for a creamy and thick consisitency.
  • Mix until well combined and cook for three more minutes on low heat.
  • Once cooked, set aside to cool.

Step 3: Molding the meat pie

  • Grease or line a baking tray with butter or parchment paper.
  • Divide the dough into fourteen equal parts, about 100g each.
  • On a flat floured surface, roll out each dough until about 5mm thick and 15cm in diameter.
  • Cut the flattened dough piece in circles using a pot lid or similar tools.
  • Remove the excess dough.
  • Add a spoonful of the meat filling on one side of the dough.
  • Brush the whisked egg around the edge of the dough.
  • Fold the dough and press the edges with a fork to create a seal.

Step 4: Bake the meat pie.

  • Place the meat pie on the tray and brush it with the whisked egg.
  • Poke it with a fork to release air from the inside.
  • Bake it at 175°C for 25 to 30 minutes or until slightly golden.

Video

Notes

  • Prepare the meat filling with your preferred ingredients and seasoning.
  • Make the dough and store it in the fridge or freezer.
  • If you don’t have access to an oven, you can cook this on a stove by steaming, frying, or in an air fryer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 14)Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 15gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 333mgPotassium: 421mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1583IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 4mg
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