Introduction

WW Meat Pies are a savory delight, combining seasoned ground meat and vegetables encased in a flaky pastry crust. This recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional meat pies, ensuring you can enjoy this comforting dish while staying on track with your Weight Watchers (WW) plan. Whether served as a main course with a side salad or as a portable snack, these meat pies are sure to satisfy your cravings with their delicious flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup cold water

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp dried sage
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Make the Filling:
    • In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
    • Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Season and Thicken:
    • Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
    • Pour in the beef or chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Pies:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a bowl, cut out circles of dough (approximately 5-6 inches in diameter).
    • Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  5. Bake and Serve:
    • Arrange the assembled pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little beaten egg if desired for a golden finish.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious WW Meat Pies warm as a main dish or a satisfying snack.

Introduction

WW Meat Pies are a savory delight, combining seasoned ground meat and vegetables encased in a flaky pastry crust. This recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional meat pies, ensuring you can enjoy this comforting dish while staying on track with your Weight Watchers (WW) plan. Whether served as a main course with a side salad or as a portable snack, these meat pies are sure to satisfy your cravings with their delicious flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup cold water

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp dried sage
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Make the Filling:
    • In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
    • Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Season and Thicken:
    • Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
    • Pour in the beef or chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Pies:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a bowl, cut out circles of dough (approximately 5-6 inches in diameter).
    • Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  5. Bake and Serve:
    • Arrange the assembled pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little beaten egg if desired for a golden finish.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious WW Meat Pies warm as a main dish or a satisfying snack.

Nutritional Information (per pie)

  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 14g

WW SmartPoints

  • Each WW Meat Pie is 7 SmartPoints, making it a hearty and satisfying choice for your WW meal plan.

Additional Tips

  • Pastry Tips: Ensure your butter is cold and work quickly to keep the pastry dough flaky.
  • Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as ground chicken, mushrooms, or adding peas for extra color and texture.
  • Make-Ahead: These pies can be assembled and frozen before baking. Simply freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These WW Meat Pies are not only delicious but also a wholesome option for any mealtime. With their flaky crust and flavorful filling, they are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the process of making these homemade pies and savor the satisfaction of enjoying a comforting dish that fits within your WW wellness goals.