Enjoying a delicious meal outdoors is one of the greatest pleasures of camping. Australian meat pies are a beloved classic, perfect for a hearty and satisfying campfire meal. These individual pies, filled with rich ground beef and gravy, offer a taste of comfort and tradition. Here’s how to make them over the campfire:

Ingredients

• 500g minced beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Store-bought or homemade pie crust (enough for 4 individual pies)
• Aluminium foil

Method

1. Preparation

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Make the Gravy:
   • Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture, stirring well to coat. Gradually add the beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Pies:
   • Roll out the pie crust and cut it into circles large enough to line and cover your individual pie tins or ramekins. Line each tin with a piece of pie crust, fill with the beef mixture, and then cover with another piece of pie crust. Crimp the edges to seal and cut a small slit in the top to allow steam to escape.
4. Wrap the Pies:
   • Wrap each assembled pie securely in aluminium foil, ensuring that it is completely covered. This will help protect the pies and keep them intact while cooking in the coals.

2. Cooking

5. Prepare the Campfire:
   • Build a campfire and let it burn until you have a good bed of hot coals. This can take about 30-45 minutes. You need steady, moderate heat to cook the pies evenly.
6. Cook the Pies:
   • Place the foil-wrapped pies directly on the hot coals. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The pies are done when the crust is golden brown and crispy.

3. Serving

7. Cool Slightly:
   • Carefully remove the pies from the coals and let them cool slightly before unwrapping. The filling will be very hot, so allow a few minutes for the pies to cool down to a safe eating temperature.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the Australian meat pies warm, directly from the foil or transfer to plates. These hearty pies are perfect for a satisfying campfire meal, enjoyed with family and friends.

Tips for Perfect Campfire Meat Pies

• Pie Crust: If using store-bought pie crust, look for a high-quality brand for the best results. Homemade pie crust can be made in advance and frozen for convenience.
• Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pies while cooking. The exact time may vary depending on the heat of the coals and the thickness of the pie crust. Adjust the position on the coals as needed to avoid burning.
• Filling Variations: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Add vegetables like peas and carrots, or experiment with different spices and herbs to customise the flavour.

Campfire Australian meat pies are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish in the great outdoors. With a bit of preparation and the right ingredients, you can create delicious, individual pies that are perfect for a campfire meal. Whether you’re on a camping trip or just enjoying an evening in the backyard, these meat pies are sure to be a hit with everyone.