Posts
Paleo Aussie Meat Pie: Healthy and Delicious
Australians love a meat pie; apparently, 260 million meat pies are eaten here each year. For a country with a population of just over 21 million, that’s a lot of pies!
A meat pie just wouldn’t be the same without some sort of pastry. Therefore, I thought it was time to give the Paleo treatment to the Aussie Meat Pie. The challenge was to create a crust that stayed true to Paleo principles while still being delicious and satisfying.
I took the meat pies along to a picnic in the sunshine this afternoon. I didn't even need to tell my non-Paleo friends that I hadn't used conventional ingredients – they got fantastic reviews, despite having only good ingredients!
There's something incredibly satisfying about making a classic dish healthier without sacrificing flavour. The almond meal crust provided a nutty, crunchy base that complemented the rich, meaty filling perfectly. Additionally, using grass-fed beef and homemade beef stock made the pies even more nutritious. FURTHERMORE, these pies are free from any artificial additives or preservatives, making them a wholesome choice.
The Great Aussie Meat Pie – Paleo Style
Australians love their meat pies, and this Paleo version delivers the classic flavour with a healthy twist. Made with almond meal crust and filled with grass-fed beef and vegetables, these pies are perfect for any gathering and will impress both Paleo and non-Paleo friends. MOREOVER, they are easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Servings: 8
Calories: 400kcal
Cost: 25
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Saute Pan
- Paper cupcake cases
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 400 g Almond Meal
- 4 Eggs free range, organic, obviously
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
- Pinch of salt onion powder, garlic powder & any other herbs you fancy
For the Filling
- 500 g minced beef I always try to get grass fed
- 500 ml Beef Stock I made this a few weeks ago with lots of bones, and froze lots of batches
- 1 red onion only because I’d run out of brown onions, diced
- 1/2 Sweet potato diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 4 mushrooms
- Pinch Garlic powder salt, oregano & any other herbs you select
Instructions
- First, mix the crust ingredients together to form a big ball of dough.
- Next, roll the "pastry" out and form into paper cupcake cases, reserving about a third of the dough mixture for the lids. You should be able to make about eight individual pie cases, more if you roll it out a bit thinner.
- Cook these for ten minutes at 200°C until they become hard, but not golden.
- Meanwhile, sauté the onion in a spoonful of coconut oil, and add the minced beef after a couple of minutes. Once browned, add the sweet potatoes and carrots and let them cook for a few minutes.
- Add the stock, mushrooms, seasoning, and herbs. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until it has a good “pie” consistency.
- Take the filling off the heat and spoon it into the pie cases.
- Once filled to the top, roll out the remaining dough and cut it into lid shapes to match the cases.
- Put lids on all of the pies, forming a seal around the edges.
- Return the pies to the oven for another ten minutes, until they start to turn golden.
These Paleo meat pies turned out to be a hit at the picnic. The sweetness from the sweet potatoes and the earthiness from the mushrooms combined beautifully with the seasoned beef. The almond meal crust was a delightful alternative to traditional pastry, providing a satisfying crunch.
Have you given the Paleo treatment to any Australian or New Zealand dishes? It’s always fun to see how classic recipes can be transformed to fit a healthier lifestyle. I'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have!
By making these small adjustments, we can enjoy our favourite foods while sticking to our dietary preferences. Whether you’re Paleo or just looking for a healthier alternative, these meat pies are a great option. AFTER ALL, who says you can't enjoy a hearty meal and still maintain a healthy diet?
What Makes the Aussie Meat Pie So Iconic?
The Aussie meat pie is a staple at footy games, petrol stations, school tuck shops and weekend barbecues. Traditionally made with a flaky wheat-based pastry and a rich, gravy-style beef filling, it’s a nostalgic comfort food for many Australians. Unfortunately, conventional versions often include additives, preservatives, and low-quality meat. That’s where this Paleo alternative shines — it celebrates everything good about the classic, but in a much cleaner, more nourishing form.
The Paleo Pastry: A Grain-Free Game-Changer
Creating a pastry that aligns with Paleo guidelines is no small feat, especially without gluten or processed flour. Almond meal steps in as the hero, providing a sturdy texture and subtle nutty flavour. It’s not only gluten-free, but rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. To help bind it, eggs and a dash of coconut oil or ghee work perfectly. The result? A pastry that holds up when baked, offers that essential crunch, and complements the filling beautifully.
Choosing the Right Filling
While traditional meat pies often use mystery meat or leftover trimmings, this version uses grass-fed beef mince, a protein-packed, nutrient-rich choice that supports ethical and sustainable farming. Sweet potato brings subtle sweetness and a great source of beta carotene, while mushrooms add umami richness. Onion, garlic, and fresh herbs enhance the depth of flavour without any need for artificial seasonings.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Paleo Pie
- Pre-cook your filling: Simmer the meat mixture until thickened before adding it to the crust — this prevents sogginess and keeps the pastry crisp.
- Chill the dough: Paleo doughs can be more delicate than standard pastry, so chill it before handling to make shaping easier.
- Use parchment paper: Rolling your crust between sheets of baking paper can make it less sticky and easier to transfer into your pie tin.
- Don’t skip the egg wash: A light brush of egg on the top crust helps it turn golden and glossy while baking.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
These meat pies are perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. You can make the filling and crust ahead of time, assemble the pies, and store them in the fridge for up to two days before baking. Once baked, they also freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually and store in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. To reheat, simply pop in a hot oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. They’re ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or quick dinners during a busy week.
Serving Suggestions
While these pies are fantastic on their own, you can round out the meal with a few Paleo-friendly sides:
- Simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans with garlic
- Cauliflower mash for extra comfort
- Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut for a tangy contrast
For a more indulgent version, serve your pie with Paleo gravy or a spoonful of homemade tomato relish (using nightshade-free options if needed).
Celebrating Tradition Without Compromise
This Paleo Aussie Meat Pie recipe proves that you don’t have to give up your childhood favourites when you move to a healthier lifestyle. In fact, reinventing these classics can be a rewarding experience, helping you feel more connected to your roots while still honouring your health goals.
Customising Your Pie
One of the joys of cooking at home is customisation. You can easily adapt this meat pie based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Try these variations:
- Swap the beef for lamb mince or shredded chicken for a different twist.
- Add diced veggies like carrot, zucchini or spinach for more texture and nutrition.
- Use mashed pumpkin or parsnip instead of sweet potato for a slightly different flavour profile.
- Make it mini: Create smaller, hand-held versions of the pie — perfect for entertaining or kids’ lunchboxes.
A Paleo Pie to Be Proud Of
Whether you're new to Paleo or a seasoned follower, this Aussie Meat Pie recipe is proof that you don't have to sacrifice tradition for health. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and full of familiar flavours that’ll please even the non-Paleo crowd. Best of all, it’s a reminder that eating well doesn’t have to mean giving up the foods you love — just learning how to reinvent them.
Tell Me How Yours Turned Out!
Have you made this meat pie? Did you tweak the ingredients or try a variation? I’d love to hear how it went. Whether it was for a footy night, a family lunch, or a quick midweek dinner, leave a comment below with your thoughts and any tips you’d add for other readers.
It Doesn’t Get Much More Paleo Than Kangaroo…
I've started to eat Kangaroo regularly since I began my paleo lifestyle. Since Kangaroos aren't farmed in Australia, I know I'm getting free range meat from animals that have been eating a natural diet. Also, in Australia at least, Kangaroo meat is a cheap very accessible meat – which is a great help in offsetting the cost of more expensive free range meats.
Fillet cuts of Kangaroo are widely available in Coles and Woolworths as well as local butchers. Loin and rump cuts are also stocked in some places. Whilst there are many pre-marinated and processed kangaroo products available too – avoid those and make your own!
Why Kangaroo?
Kangaroo is lean & rich in protein, making it a great protein component of a paleo meal.
For a quick and easy Aussie Kangaroo dinner, make some plum sauce using 4 fresh large plums, remove the pits and add to a blender with 2 garlic cloves, a chunk of fresh ginger, a squeeze of lemon, the juice of an orange and a sprinkling of onion powder, nutmeg, mustard and pepper. Once blended transfer to a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes. Meanwhile barbeque your kangaroo to medium-rare perfection, then serve with your delicious home-made plum sauce.
The Nutritional Benefits of Kangaroo Meat
Kangaroo meat is not only affordable and sustainable, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make it an ideal protein choice for those following a Paleo lifestyle. One of its most notable characteristics is its exceptionally low fat content — usually under 2%, depending on the cut — while still being rich in high-quality, bioavailable protein. For those focusing on lean gains or trying to manage fat intake without sacrificing nutrients, kangaroo is an outstanding option.
Kangaroo is also a great source of:
- Iron: Essential for energy, cognitive function, and oxygen transport throughout the body.
- Zinc: Important for immune health and tissue repair.
- B12: Vital for red blood cell formation and nervous system health.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): An anti-inflammatory fatty acid naturally found in grass-fed meats, which may support fat loss and heart health.
Because kangaroo isn’t farmed, it isn’t exposed to antibiotics or artificial feed — making it a superior choice to many commercially raised meats.
Sustainability and Ethics: A Truly Eco-Friendly Meat
One of the most compelling arguments for eating kangaroo is environmental. As a native species, kangaroos have evolved with the Australian landscape and do not require irrigation, grain, or feedlots. They produce far less methane than cattle or sheep, and they have soft-padded feet that do less damage to topsoil.
In regions where kangaroo populations are high, controlled harvesting also plays a role in land management and conservation. Unlike factory-farmed animals, wild kangaroos live natural lives in their natural habitat — and when sourced legally and responsibly, the meat is a more ethical option compared to industrial farming practices.
Cooking Tips for Kangaroo
Because kangaroo is so lean, it’s important not to overcook it. Medium-rare is the sweet spot, as the meat can quickly become tough if left on the heat too long. Searing on a hot barbecue or pan is ideal, especially when followed by a short rest time to let the juices redistribute.
Here are a few simple ideas for incorporating kangaroo into your Paleo meals:
- Stir-fry: Thinly sliced kangaroo fillet with broccoli, capsicum and mushrooms, cooked quickly in coconut oil and seasoned with tamari, garlic and fresh chilli.
- Kangaroo meatballs: Mix ground kangaroo with almond meal, egg, garlic, oregano and salt, then bake or fry until cooked through.
- Grilled kangaroo skewers: Marinate cubes of kangaroo in olive oil, lemon, rosemary and garlic, then thread onto skewers with zucchini and onion for the barbecue.
Pairing Kangaroo With Paleo Sides
Kangaroo pairs well with a wide variety of Paleo-friendly vegetables and sides. Because of its rich, gamey flavour, it stands up well to bold accompaniments like roasted root vegetables or smoky grilled capsicum.
Some great pairing ideas include:
- Sweet potato mash with garlic and olive oil
- Chargrilled asparagus with lemon zest
- Cauliflower “rice” sautéed in ghee with fresh herbs
- Balsamic-glazed beetroot and rocket salad
A good sauce can elevate the dish further — think blackberry reduction, native pepperberry seasoning, or a classic Paleo chimichurri with parsley, garlic and olive oil.
Using Ground Kangaroo in Everyday Meals
Minced kangaroo is a budget-friendly and versatile option available in most Australian supermarkets. It can be used anywhere you would use beef mince, but with a leaner profile and more intense flavour.
Try it in:
- Paleo taco bowls with lettuce cups, avocado and tomato salsa
- Stuffed capsicums baked with a tomato and herb sauce
- Kangaroo Bolognese over zucchini noodles
- Shepherd’s pie topped with mashed cauliflower
When cooking with ground kangaroo, be sure to add a little fat like coconut oil, tallow or ghee, as it contains less natural fat than beef or lamb.
Meal Prep With Kangaroo
For batch cooking or meal prepping, kangaroo is a fantastic protein to keep on rotation. You can cook a large piece of fillet, slice it thin and add it to salads or vegetable-based bowls throughout the week. It’s also great cold, meaning leftovers never go to waste.
A few ideas for pre-prepared kangaroo meals:
- Kangaroo salad jars with roasted pumpkin, rocket, cherry tomatoes and macadamia oil dressing
- Egg-free kangaroo patties served with steamed greens
- Kangaroo stir-fry boxes with cauliflower rice, bok choy and sesame seeds
Trying Kangaroo Outside of Australia
If you’re outside of Australia, sourcing kangaroo might require a bit more effort, but it’s often available through online exotic meat suppliers or high-end butchers. In New Zealand and parts of Europe, frozen kangaroo is becoming increasingly common due to its sustainability profile.
When buying kangaroo internationally, look for:
- Vacuum-sealed cuts labelled as wild-harvested
- Fillet, loin or ground meat for the most versatility
- No added sauces or marinades (to keep it Paleo)
Final Thoughts: Kangaroo as a Paleo Staple
Incorporating kangaroo into your Paleo diet is not only a nutritional win — it also supports ethical eating, local produce, and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue or throwing together a midweek stir-fry, kangaroo is a versatile, affordable protein that deserves a regular spot on your plate.
So next time you’re browsing your local butcher or supermarket, grab a cut of roo and give it a go. You might just find it becomes your new favourite go-to — one that’s 100% Paleo and proudly Australian.