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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.