Nigerian Meat Pie

c
@cookingwithamy

A delicious and savory Nigerian meat pie filled with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, encased in a flaky pastry.

Prep Time
2hr 0min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
3hr
Nigerian Meat Pie recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 meat pie)

For the Beef Filling

  • 1tbsp
    cornstarch
  • 120mL
    water
  • 3tbsp
    vegetable oil
  • 250g
    ground beef
  • Kosher salt
  • 50g
    yellow onion, finely diced
  • 120g
    Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 75g
    carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1tsp
    Nigerian-style curry powder
  • 1tsp
    dried thyme
  • 235mL
    Nigerian-style stock or water
  • 50g
    green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the Dough

  • 160g
    all-purpose flour
  • 30g
    whole wheat flour
  • 1tsp
    Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/2tsp
    baking powder
  • 90g
    unsalted butter, cold
  • 1piece
    large egg, lightly beaten
  • 60mL
    ice-cold water

To Assemble and Bake

  • 1piece
    large egg yolk, lightly beaten
  • 15mL
    milk

How to make Nigerian Meat Pie

Prepare the Beef Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.

    Step 1.1: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt. Cook until browned.

    Step 1.1: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat
  3. Add the diced onion, potatoes, and carrot to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

  4. Stir in the curry powder and thyme. Cook for another minute.

  5. Add the stock or water and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the filling thickens.

  6. Add the green bell pepper and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

    Step 1.1: Add the green bell pepper and freshly ground black pepper

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder.

    Step 2.1: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder
  2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    Step 2.1: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
  3. Add the beaten egg and ice-cold water. Mix until the dough comes together. Add more water if needed.

  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    Step 2.1: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

Assemble and Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a round cutter.

    Step 3.1: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness
  3. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.

    Step 3.1: Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle
  4. Place the meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Step 3.1: Place the meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  5. Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk and milk mixture.

    Step 3.1: Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk and milk mixture
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

    Step 3.1: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

346.2kcal (17.31%)

Protein

19.3g (38.66%)

Carbs

27.3g (9.94%)

Sugars

0.8g (1.66%)

Healthy Fat

11.2g

Unhealthy Fat

8.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the dough to achieve a flaky texture.

  2. You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.

FAQS

  1. What is the cooking process for making Nigerian meat pie?

    To make Nigerian meat pie, start by cooking ground beef with diced onions, potatoes, and carrots in a skillet until browned and tender. Add spices like Nigerian-style curry powder and thyme, then mix in stock or water and a cornstarch mixture to thicken the filling. After cooling the filling, prepare a flaky pastry dough using all-purpose and whole wheat flour, cold butter, and ice-cold water. Roll out the dough, fill it with the meat mixture, seal, and bake until golden brown.

  2. Are there any dietary substitutions for Nigerian meat pie?

    Yes, if you're looking for dietary substitutions for Nigerian meat pie, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or beans. Additionally, you can use gluten-free flour to make the pastry dough if you're avoiding gluten.

  3. How should I store leftover Nigerian meat pie?

    To store leftover Nigerian meat pie, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meat pies. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  4. What are some good side dishes to pair with Nigerian meat pie?

    Nigerian meat pie pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad, or a side of jollof rice for a more filling meal. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce or a side of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.

  5. Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time for Nigerian meat pie?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry dough for Nigerian meat pie ahead of time. After mixing the ingredients, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. If you want to make it even further in advance, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out.

Loading reviews...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia