Name: Ultimate Meat and Potato Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium russet potato, peeled and cubed; 1 ½ pound 80/20 ground beef; ½ cup minced yellow onion; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ¾ cup beef stock; 1 Easy All-Butter Pie Crust Recipe, at room temperature or 1 (15 ounce) package prepared double pie crust; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

The Ultimate Meat and Potato Pie Recipe is the comforting, hearty dish you’ll want to make again and again when craving a classic homemade meal. Combining tender, seasoned ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes nestled inside a perfectly golden, flaky crust, this pie brings together satisfying textures and rich flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, ideal for family dinners or cozy weekend feasts. Trust me, once you try this Ultimate Meat and Potato Pie Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there are two layers of raw ground meat on white parchment paper; the left layer is a darker red, and the right layer is a lighter pink. Surrounding the meat are small white bowls with various ingredients: a yellow beaten egg, chopped green herbs, chopped white onions, minced garlic, bright red tomato paste, light yellow powder, white salt, and a dark brown sauce. There are also a few small bowls with powders, two peeled potato pieces in a white bowl with brown speckles, a small glass pitcher with a dark amber liquid, a wooden bowl of pepper, and a gray stone bowl of salt. On the right side, there are three white round flatbreads stacked on white parchment paper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together to create a fantastic balance of flavors and textures in this pie. Each element plays its part, from the hearty beef and fluffy potatoes to the fragrant herbs and buttery crust, making this dish both delicious and approachable.

Russet potato: Peeled and cubed for the perfect fluffy mash that brings creaminess to the filling.
Ground beef (80/20): Provides juicy, savory meatiness that’s essential for a rich filling.
Yellow onion: Minced for a sweet base note that complements the beef beautifully.
Garlic: Chopped finely to infuse the filling with subtle warmth and depth.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami punch that elevates the meat’s flavor.
Kosher salt: Key for seasoning every ingredient just right.
Tomato paste: Provides a slight sweetness and depth, balancing the savory notes.
Fresh thyme: Offers a light herbal fragrance that brightens the filling.
Mustard powder: Adds a mild kick and complexity.
Garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor for extra savoriness.
Allspice and nutmeg: Just a touch for warmth and nuanced spice.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked to give a gentle heat.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to hold everything together wonderfully.
Beef stock: Keeps the filling moist and flavorful while simmering.
Pie crust: Use an easy all-butter crust or a store-bought double crust for a flaky, buttery base and top.
Egg: Beaten for brushing the crust to achieve that irresistible golden finish.

How to Make Ultimate Meat and Potato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by boiling the peeled cubed russet potatoes in water until tender, about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked potatoes make a creamy, smooth mash that forms the hearty base of your filling’s texture.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

While the potatoes are cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef with minced yellow onion and chopped garlic. Break the beef apart and cook until it’s browned and the onions have softened, around 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation, infusing the filling with deep, savory notes.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes, Meat, and Spices

Drain and mash your cooked potatoes, then stir them into the skillet with the browned beef mixture. Add Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, tomato paste, thyme, mustard powder, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, cornstarch, and beef stock. Simmer the mixture gently for five minutes, letting the flavors meld and the filling thicken nicely.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Lightly flour your surface and roll out both pie crust rounds. Fit one crust into a 9-inch pie plate, then spoon your filling in, creating a slight mound in the center. Cover with the second crust and seal the edges tightly by crimping with a fork or your fingers. This seals in all the delicious juices and sets the stage for a flaky, golden crust.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Mix the beaten egg with a teaspoon of water and brush it all over the top of your pie crust. Cut four two-inch slits into the crust to allow steam to escape while baking. Bake at 400°F for about 35 minutes until the crust deepens to a rich golden brown and the filling bubbles through the vents. If the crust browns too fast, cover loosely with foil. Let the pie rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let everything set perfectly.

How to Serve Ultimate Meat and Potato Pie Recipe

A white plate holds a pie crust with a crimped edge, its pale dough smooth and slightly shiny, showing some light unevenness on top. A woman's hand is holding a pastry brush, gently applying a golden-yellow egg wash to the dough's surface. Next to the plate, on a white marbled surface, is a small white bowl filled with bright yellow egg wash. The whole scene is brightly lit, highlighting the soft textures of the dough and the smoothness of the egg wash photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a lovely pop of color and a bit of herbal freshness that complements the rich filling. For a bit of extra indulgence, drizzle with a small amount of melted butter or a dollop of grainy mustard on the side.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans, which provide a crisp texture contrast and brighten the plate. A simple mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables also works perfectly to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning this classic into individual hand pies using small tart pans or muffin tins for a playful dinner option or party snack. Alternatively, serve slices alongside a rich gravy or even a sharp cheddar sauce to take the indulgence factor to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for quick weeknight reheats or lunch the next day.

Freezing

The Ultimate Meat and Potato Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the fully assembled (but unbaked) pie in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add extra baking time and avoid thawing to keep the crust flaky and the filling just right.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the filling piping hot. Avoid microwaving when possible to prevent a soggy crust and enjoy a pie nearly as fresh as when it was first baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture when mashed, but you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a creamier and slightly buttery flavor. Just keep in mind the texture difference in the filling.

Is it possible to make this pie vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock to keep it hearty and flavorful.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling the pie to ensure even baking.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy bottom crust?

To keep the crust crisp, you can blind bake the bottom crust for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling. Also, draining any excess moisture from the filling helps maintain a flaky base.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Definitely. A good quality store-bought double pie crust works perfectly here and saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Meat and Potato Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth and deliciousness into your kitchen with ingredients you likely already have. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like comfort in every forkful. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming one of your all-time favorite dishes to make and share.