Comforting Meat and Potato Pie Recipe: A Savory Classic

Crafting a hearty meat and potato pie sparks memories of cozy kitchen gatherings with loved ones.

Savory aromas waft through the house, promising comfort in every bite.

Layers of tender meat nestled between flaky pastry create a classic dish that speaks to traditional cooking.

Rustic and satisfying, this recipe connects generations through its simple yet profound flavors.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, telling a story of home-cooked goodness.

Rich, golden crust promises a meal that warms both stomach and soul.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform simple ingredients into a memorable feast that brings people together.

Why James Martin Meat And Potato Pie Is A Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious layers of meat, potatoes, and flaky pastry, perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Flexible Feast Maker: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or using leftover meats, making it a versatile go-to meal for busy households and creative cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performer: Packed with rich flavors from beef, bacon, and herbs, this pie delivers a restaurant-quality experience right from your home kitchen.
• Freezer-Friendly Fighter: Prepare ahead, freeze, and reheat for a convenient meal that saves time and provides a quick solution for hectic weeknight dinners.

What Goes Into James Martin Meat And Potato Pie

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the pie filling.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and rich taste to the dish.

• Carrots: Provides sweetness and adds nutritional value to the filling.
• Potatoes: Creates a substantial and comforting texture in the pie.

• Garlic, Thyme, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the meat and vegetable mixture.

• Beef Broth, Cornstarch: Creates a rich and slightly thickened sauce within the pie filling.

• Pie Crust: Provides a flaky and golden exterior for the savory pie.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to achieve a glossy and golden-brown crust.

How To Make James Martin Meat And Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pie Crust

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425F. Gently drape the bottom pie crust into your pie plate, making sure it settles smoothly across the bottom and sides.

Step 2: Sizzle Beef and Aromatics

In a skillet, brown the ground beef with minced garlic, creating a rich and fragrant base. Once done, transfer the meat to a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Soften Vegetable Companions

Heat oil in the same skillet and cook carrots until they become tender and slightly golden, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Create Hearty Filling Mixture

• Diced potatoes
• Crispy bacon bits
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Cracked black pepper

Stir everything together to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Develop Savory Sauce

Whisk broth and cornstarch in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture until it thickens into a luxurious sauce. Pour this over the filling and mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate Pie

Pour the filling into the pie crust. Cover with the top crust, crimping edges to seal. Cut decorative slits across the top and brush with egg wash for a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 425F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375F and continue baking for 40-45 minutes. Allow the pie to rest before serving, letting flavors meld and settle.

Top Tips For James Martin Meat And Potato Pie

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef or chuck for a rich, flavorful filling that's not too greasy.
• Bacon Boost: Crisp bacon beforehand to enhance the pie's smoky depth and ensure it's not soggy.
• Potato Perfection: Dice potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the pie.
• Thickening Trick: Gradually whisk cornstarch and broth to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth sauce.
• Crust Care: Brush egg wash generously for a golden, glossy top that looks professionally baked.

Tasty Twists For James Martin Meat And Potato Pie

• Vegetarian Comfort Pie: Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms, keeping the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or gluten-free pie crust mix instead of traditional wheat-based pastry.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower and use a cauliflower-based crust for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
• Lamb and Rosemary Variation: Substitute beef with ground lamb and replace thyme with fresh rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

What To Serve With James Martin Meat And Potato Pie

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the pie, cutting through its hearty texture and enhancing the savory profile.
• Serve with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the pie's heaviness, adding freshness and providing a zesty contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Match with Craft Beer: Select a dark porter or amber ale with malty undertones that harmonize with the beef and bacon, offering a smooth, complementary drinking experience that elevates the meal's rustic charm.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Add a small side of pickled onions or cornichons to introduce a sharp, acidic element that cuts through the pie's richness and provides a palate-cleansing brightness.

Best Way To Store James Martin Meat And Potato Pie

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or whole pie in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen pie in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F. Place pie on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Cut desired portion, place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between rounds.

James Martin Meat And Potato Pie FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground lamb or pork work great as alternatives to beef in this pie.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.

• How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?

The crust should be golden brown and the filling bubbling around the edges. Internal temperature should reach 160F for beef.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Prepare the pie up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Meat And Potato Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 75-85 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting meat and potato pie brings hearty British countryside flavors straight to your dinner table. Rich layers of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes create a delicious one-dish meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Meat

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bacon pieces

Vegetables

• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 cups cooked diced potatoes with onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

Pie and Seasoning

• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425F and carefully drape the bottom pastry layer into a pie dish, ensuring complete coverage of the base and sides.
2. In a skillet, sear the ground beef with minced garlic until thoroughly browned, then transfer to a separate mixing container.
3. Sauté chopped carrots in cooking oil until they become tender and slightly translucent.
4. Combine the browned beef, softened carrots, diced potatoes, crispy bacon pieces, fresh thyme, and cracked black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
5. Create a thickening sauce by whisking broth with cornstarch, then gently simmer the mixture until it reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
7. Transfer the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Carefully place the top pastry crust over the filling, crimping edges to seal and creating decorative slits for steam release.
9. Brush the top crust with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
10. Bake initially at 425F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375F and continue cooking for 40-45 minutes until crust is deep golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and allow the pie to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help filling set and flavors meld.

Notes

• Customize the pie by swapping ground beef with lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Enhance texture by dicing potatoes into smaller, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and better bite.
• Make it gluten-free by using a grain-free pie crust and substituting cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch.
• Create a lighter version by reducing bacon and using lean ground meat, which cuts down on calories without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 419 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 453 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg