Nebraska Meat Pies

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup diced potatoes, cooked
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add chilled, diced butter and blend with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent. Add ground beef and pork, breaking up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Add the Broth and Thicken: Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture, stirring constantly until thickened. Fold in cooked potatoes and peas, if using, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Meat Pies: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Divide the chilled pastry dough in half and roll out each half on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out round shapes approximately 6 inches in diameter. Spoon a generous portion of filling onto one half of each round, leaving a border for sealing. Brush edges with beaten egg, fold over, and crimp with a fork to seal.
5. Bake: Place assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.