These West African meat pies are buttery, flaky, and filled with a perfectly seasoned minced meat and vegetable mixture. Think of them as hand-held, golden pastries that are just as good at room temperature as they are fresh from the oven. In many Nigerian and Ghanaian homes, they’re a staple for celebrations, snacks, and Sunday afternoons.
Why You’ll Love These Meat Pie
- Flaky, buttery pastry
- Savory, mildly spiced beef filling
- Freezer-friendly and lunchbox-perfect
- Comfort food that travels well
What You Need
(See recipe card below for exact measurements.)
For the pastry:
- All-purpose flour
- Cold butter or margarine
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cold water
- Egg (for brushing)
For the filling:
- Minced beef
- Onion, finely chopped
- Carrot, grated or finely diced
- Potatoes, finely diced
- Seasoning cube or bouillon
- Thyme
- Curry powder
- Salt and pepper
- Oil
- Optional: flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken
How to Make West African Meat Pies
1. Make the pastry.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add cold water a little at a time until a dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling.
Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onions, then add beef, carrots, potatoes, and spices. Cook until everything is tender and cooked through. If watery, stir in a spoon of flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken. Let cool.
3. Assemble.
Roll out dough and cut into circles (use a bowl or large cutter). Spoon filling into the center, fold over, and seal edges with a fork. Place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake.
Brush pies with beaten egg. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with tea or soft drinks
- Add a fresh side salad or slaw for lunch
- Great for picnics, parties, and meal prep
How to Store
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked pies and bake from frozen (add 5–10 minutes to baking time)
- Reheat: In the oven or air fryer until crisp and hot
More Recipes from the West African Pantry
- Kelewele
- Waakye
- Puff Puff
- Chicken Stew
Nigerian Meat Pie
Ingredients
- 3 cup 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup Cold water
- ½ lb Ground beef
- 1 Small potato (diced)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 seasoning cube
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp flour + water to thicken
Instructions
- Cook beef with spices and veg till tender.
- Add flour-water mix to thicken.
- Cool filling. Make dough, roll out, cut circles.
- Fill and seal with egg wash.
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 mins.