| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 452 | 24g | 9g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 27g | 1g |
Why I Love Spanish Meat Pie
When I think of the Meat Pie, this enticing Spanish recipe, I’m captivated by its robust flavors and the comforting allure of this hearty dish. Coming from a background rich in traditional cooking, where ingredients are the showstoppers, I’m often inspired by the simplicity yet complexity that a single dish can offer. 
The Unexpected Fusion
Even though I cut my culinary teeth on Montana’s plains, cooking bison burgers, venison steaks, and dishing up sweet huckleberry pies, transitioning to international cuisines was a thrilling journey. The Meat Pie, with its Mediterranean accent and unmistakable Spanish flair, reminds me of how food can bridge cultures.
This particular meat pie offers a sublime interplay between ground beef, finely chopped vegetables, and succulent green olives. Perfumed with sweet Spanish paprika, the dish bursts with bold flavors, reminiscent of my rural roots while indulging my love for fresh and global ingredients.
A Homage to a Culinary Legend
Creating this recipe, I couldn’t help but reverently nod to the renowned Spanish chef extraordinaire, José Andrés. His commitment to authentic Spanish cuisine coupled with innovative twists has always been an inspiration.
Yet, while Andrés might be the forerunner of avant-garde Spanish cuisine, my Meat Pie pays tribute to the timeless, traditional elements that make this recipe not just a meal, but an experience. It’s a testament to how our food histories, whether rooted in Montana or Madrid, can beautifully collide in a single, delightful dish.
Perfect Pairings and Comparable Dishes
My Meat Pie would sit proudly at any dinner table, but it works exceptionally well alongside a fresh, crisp salad, perhaps a Spanish Orange and Almond Salad, to balance the rich, savory flavors of the pie.
If you enjoy French cooking, you might find the Meat Pie reminiscent of the classic Tourtière; they both share a knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. And for those who prefer vegetarian dishes, a Spanish Veggie Paella might be a dish youíd love, bearing the same rich, spicy notes as my Meat Pie.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of ground beef
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of green olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of sweet Spanish paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 egg beaten, for brushing on top of the pie
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Method
Step One
In a large frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Step Two
Add the chopped bell pepper to the pan with the onions and garlic. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes or until the bell pepper softens.
Step Three
Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Stir until it’s thoroughly cooked and browned, it should take approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
Step Four
Stir in the diced tomatoes into the pan, and then add the sliced green olives. Season the mix with sweet Spanish paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let all the ingredients cook together for about 10 more minutes.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees Celsius). Prepare a pie dish with the pre-made pie crust, pressing it into the dish to fit.
Step Six
Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared pie crust. Decorate the top layer with the sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Step Seven
Fold over any overlapping pie crust to cover the edge of the filling. Brush the crust of the pie with the beaten egg.
Step Eight
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the pie crust is golden brown. Let the meat pie cool for a few minutes before you slice it. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Meat Pie!
