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Authentic Natchitoches Meat Pie

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If you can't get to Louisiana fast enough, make these authentic Natchitoches Meat Pies in your own kitchen- baked or fried!

Once you make these savory French meat pies, you'll understand why they're so popular in Louisiana!

When developing this recipe, I consulted the owner of Lasyone's, the famous Natchitoches meat pie company and restaurant, and they confirmed that my Grandmother's recipe was true to the original.

 

Two meat pies on white plate one cut in half.

 

The town of Natchitoches is the original French colony, the oldest Parish in the Louisiana Purchase, home to the famous Natchitoches Hand Pies, and where the Southern classic movie "Steel Magnolias" was filmed!

Due to its French heritage, it is pronounced "Nack'-a-tish." The lady on YouTube pronounces it "Nack-a-tosh" but that's wrong, according to Ann and Kelly at the Official Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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Why you'll love this meat pie recipe

Easy meat pie recipe with and easy homemade pastry, ground beef, pork and Cajun seasonings! Make it as mild or spicy as you like!

Another thing, you can bake or fry these meat pies - either way, they're delicious.

  • It's authentic-if you can't get to Louisiana, this is the next best thing
  • All-natural-no additives, preservatives or fillers
  • Easy to make ahead of time - cook the filling and make the pastry dough the day before!
  • Easy to reheat and have as a snack
  • This meat pie recipe can be used for baked meat pies or fried - your call!

If you love New Orleans or any part of Louisiana, then you'll love these meat pies! I like to serve them with smothered okra and tomatoes, or sometimes with collard greens, purple hull peas, sauteed yellow squash and onions or just by themselves as a snack!

Authenticity

Almost every culture has a meat pie, and this authentic Natchitoches Meat Pie recipe is native to Louisiana, via French immigrants, both Cajun and Creole. 

In the northern United States, meat-filled pies are called "pasties," which were a typical lunch for coal miner's way back in the day.

The Spanish have "empanadas," which are basically the same concept, but with different seasonings.

There's a lot of recipes for meat pies out there, but I tried to stay true to the Official Natchitoches Meat Pie Recipe as possible; it turns out, my Grandmother's handwritten recipes is the same as the published original! My recipe is an adaptation of the original (I added a few seasonings.)

Original Meat Pie Recipe handwritten.

Here's what you'll need

This meat pie recipe uses simple ingredients and offers great flavor! Make these as mild or spicy as you like!

Filling ingredients: Ground beef, ground sausage, onion, green bell pepper, bay leaves, cayenne powder, ground sage, milk, flour, salt and pepper

Pastry ingredients: flour, baking soda, butter, salt

I forgot to get out the ground sage for this picture:(

 

Ingredients on black countertop with labels.

How to make Natchitoches meat pies

  • At first glance, this meat pie recipe looks difficult, but it's easy if you break it down into 4 -easy steps:
  • Make the filling
  • Make the pastry dough
  • Assemble the pies; refrigerate for 15 minutes
  • Cook (bake or fry)

Note

  • Before you get started, read the recipe and notes 3 times.
  • Brown the beef and sausage; drain and set aside; saute onion and bell pepper
  • Add cooked meats back into the skillet with the cooked onion and bell pepper
  • Add remaining ingredients and slurry; cook 5-7 minutes, or until mixture thickens; remove from heat; set aside

 

Collage showing how to it.

A note about making the pastry

When you add the cold bits of butter to the pastry,  you can combine it by hand or give it a quick pulse in the food processor. 

I always combine it by hand because the food processor isn't big enough to mix the entire amount of flour and butter together at once and I'm afraid if I pulse it in batches, it won't combine properly.

The dough should be grainy, but after you knead it a few times, it begins to stick together. Do Not Overwork the Dough. 

While this mixture is cooling, make the pastry; place dough on lightly floured surface and roll out to ¼" thickness

 

 

Pastry rolled out onto counter showing thickness.

Once the dough is rolled out, cut out circles ( I use a small salad plate as a template).

Place about ⅓ cup of cold meat onto the cold pastry disc. Fold top over meat, forming a half-moon. Press edges together with a drop of water on your fingertip.

Score edges with fork; trim with pizza cutter or knife and cook.

How to fry meat pies

  • Get a large, heavy-bottom stock pot and add 4 cups of oil; NOTE: the amount of oil will vary; it depends upon the size of the skillet and the number of pies you're making. Pour enough oil into the skillet to barely cover the hand pies.
  • Heat oil to 312ºF; gently place pie in oil
  • Cook 3-minutes; flip and cook other side 3-5 minutes
  • Drain on paper towel; repeat

How to bake meat pies

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF
  • Lightly oil baking pan
  • Combine egg and water to make an egg-wash; brush egg wash over meat pies
  • Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown

How many pies does this recipe yield?

This recipe for Natchitoches Meat Pie yields about 6 pies that are 7" in diameter. You can make meat pies larger or smaller - your call!

How to make in advance

  • The best way to make this ahead of time is to cook the meat pie filling and prepare the pastry dough and store them separately in the fridge. Cover dough securely with plastic wrap.
  • When you're ready to assemble them, roll out the dough to ¼ " inch thickness and form the discs. 
  • Place about ⅓ cup of cold meat on pastry and cook
  • If you want to assemble the meat pies in advance, follow the instructions above and place covered hand pies in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Freezing and reheating meat pies

You can freeze the meat pies before OR after you cook them.

Put the uncooked meat pies in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to cook, allow pies to come to room temperature, then fry or bake. (If baking, don't forget the egg wash!)

For pies that you've already cooked, allow pies to thaw a bit, then reheat in a 350ºF oven, uncovered, until the center is warm (about 15-25 minutes)

How to reheat Natchitoches Meat Pie

Preheat oven to 350ºF; place thawed meat pies on lightly oiled baking dish, uncovered

Bake 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature is 160ºF

Dipping sauce

Some folks in Louisiana like a dipping sauce with their meat pie. I make a sauce with mayonnaise, Louisiana Hot Sauce and a little salt. Just combine it together and season to your liking. Or you can just sprinkle a little of the sauce over the pie. Or, serve these meat pies with a remolaude sauce!

What to serve with it

If you want to serve the meat pie as an entree, consider these side dish: rice and beans, creamed new potatoes, cabbage, collard greens, smothered okra and tomatoes or gumbo.

Recipe tips

  • Read the entire recipe (including Recipe Notes) three times before you start
  • Don't worry if the edges of your meat pies are raggedy; trim them with a pizza cutter
  • Refrigerate the assembled meat pies 15-20 minutes before cooking (or freeze them for 10-12 minutes)
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the frying oil is around 312ºF before you place the meat pies in it
  • Once you place the pies in the oil, use a spatula to splash a little oil over them (this ensures they won't fall apart)
  • Use leftover dough to make extra pie rounds; just gather up dough remnants (from your circles), form them into a ball; flatted, roll and make another pie
  • If you have leftover meat, save it and make a "faux" Shepherd's Pie

Meat pies on turquoise plate.

This vintage, authentic Natchitoches meat pie recipe is as authentic as it gets! If you can't get to Natchitoches, Louisiana, this is definitely the next best thing!

 

♥ If you make this recipe, leave a comment and rating below! Thank you!

📋 Recipe

Meat pies on turquoise plate.

Authentic Natchitoches Meat Pie

 Savory, seasoned ground beef and pork, tucked inside a crispy pastry.
4.92 from 25 votes
Print Rate
Course: Entree, Snack
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole, French-American, Louisiana
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 hand pies
Author: Anecia Hero

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or tall stock pot (for frying); baking sheet needed for baking
  • Long handled slotted spoon (for frying)
  • Skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Rolling pin
  • Two mixing bowls: one large, one small
  • Paper towels and plate to drain pies on (if frying)
  • Baking sheet and parchment paper (if baking)
  • Pastry brush (if baking)

Ingredients 

Meat Filling Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 lb. ground pork , with or without sage
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion , yellow, sweet yellow or white onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, or 1 tablespoon prepared minced garlic
  • 4 cups oil (See Recipe Notes) , canola or vegetable
  • ¼ cup flour ,all-purpose
  • 2 teaspoons ground sage , (if your pork doesn't contain sage); (See Recipe Notes)
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon = mild; if you like spice, add more cayenne
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1¾ cups milk , 2% or whole
  • salt & pepper to taste

Pastry Ingredients

  • 8 cups flour ,plus a handful for rolling out dough; all-purpose
  • 4 teaspoons salt , kosher
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 whole eggs , cold
  • 2 sticks butter cold, unsalted, cut into tiny cubes,
  • 1¾ cups milk , cold

Egg Wash (if baking)

  • 1 whole egg lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions 

Meat Preparation

  • In a heavy skillet, add beef and pork; cook thoroughly until no pink is visible; drain and return to skillet
    1 lb. ground beef, 1 lb. ground pork
  • In same skillet, add onions, bell peppers; saute 3 minutes on medium high or until green bell peppers are tender; add garlic; stir
    1 cup finely chopped onion, 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic
  • Add cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves and sage (if your pork doesn't already have sage in it); allow to cook for 15 minutes on medium; (See Recipe Notes)
    1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 bay leaves, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons ground sage
  • While meat is simmering, make a slurry: In a two-cup measuring cup, add 4 tablespoons flour (¼cup) and fill the measuring cup with milk; mix with fork until smooth; pour this mixture (slurry) into the skillet with the beef; combine well. (The "slurry" will thicken the meat mixture.)
    ¼ cup flour, 1¾ cups milk
  • Allow this to cook for about 5-8 more minutes, or until the beef mixture begins to thicken; once the mixture thickens a little, turn off the heat; remove bay leaves; taste for salt & pepper; cover and refrigerate; now make the pastry dough
    salt & pepper to taste

Pastry Instruction

  • Get out two bowls: one large, one small
  • In the large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder
    8 cups flour, 4 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • In the small bowl, add cold eggs and cold milk; slightly beat together until combined
    4 whole eggs, 1¾ cups milk
  • Slice cold butter into small (tiny) cubes
    2 sticks butter
  • Add the tiny cubes of cold butter to the dry ingredients; "cut it in"using your fingers; (crumble the butter pieces and combine with the flour until butter until the mixture looks grainy)
  • Once the flour mixture looks grainy, gradually fold in the cold egg/milk mixture; combine with a spatula; form into a ball; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes ( See Recipe Notes)
  • Sprinkle some flour onto a clean surface; place the dough on the counter and roll it out till it's about ¼" thick
  • Cut dough circles out of the dough that are approximately 7" in diameter; use a saucer or the bottom of a 9" salad plate as a guide--doesn't have to be perfect! (see recipe notes)

Meat Pie Assembly

  • Spoon ⅓ cup of the cold meat mixture onto the center of dough disc; fold one side of the dough over the meat so the edges of the circle form a half moon; press the edges together using your finger and a little water
  • Use a fork to "cinch" the dough together; trim with a pizza cutter or sharp knife; repeat process for the remaining meat and dough rounds; set aside
  • Refrigerate pies for 15-20 minutes

Frying Instructions

  • Heat a heavy bottomed stock pot with oil; bring to 312-325ºF; if oil begins to smoke, remove pot from burner and reduce heat immediately
    4 cups oil (See Recipe Notes)
  • Use a long handled, slotted spoon and place formed pies into hot oil; work in batches; usually 3 at a time; remove cooked pies and place on paper towel; repeat until all pies are done; each pie takes 2-4 minutes

Baking Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF
  • In a small bowl, make an egg wash. Add one whole egg and a teaspoon of water to the bowl; combine well
    1 whole egg, 1 teaspoon water
  • Use a pastry brush and coat the top of each pie with the egg wash
  • Place pies on a parchment covered baking sheet
  • Bake pies for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF

Notes

Steps for Making Natchitoches Meat Pies
  1. Cook the beef, pork and onion mixture; refrigerate or allow to cool
  2. Make the pastry dough; cut out 7" rounds (cut out 4" inch rounds if you want a smaller meat pie); refrigerate covered in plastic wrap for about 20 minutes
  3. Assemble the meat pies; refrigerate for 15-20 minutes
  4. Bake or Fry until internal temperature reaches 160ºF
The Pastry Dough
  • It should be grainy after you've added and combined the cold butter
  • Put it on a lightly floured surface and gently knead it gently until it begins to stick together. DO NOT OVER WORK THE DOUGH. (If you knead the pastry dough too much, gluten will develop and the pastry won't be "fluffy")
  • If you make the dough ahead of time; cover and refrigerate it
  • Use a small salad plate or saucer as a template to form the circles of dough
  • If you're in a hurry, cook the meat, sausage and onions all together in the same skillet; then drain
  • After you form the meat pie, it may stick to the counter; just gently slide the back edge of a butcher knife under the pie to loosen it
  • These can be baked or fried; frying is quicker
  • Use a heavy duty stock pot for frying 
  • Expect to have about 6 pies and some leftover meat filling
  • Use the leftover meat to make a faux Shepherd's Pie later in the week!
About the Sage
If your pork already has sage flavoring in it, go easy on adding ground sage; I've found it's best to cook the filling, taste it, then decide if you want more sage and, if you want a spicier filling, add a little more cayenne pepper
Can I Make Natchitoches Meat Pies in Advance?
Yes. You can refrigerate or freeze cooked and uncooked pies in an airtight, sealed container. Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to 3 months.
On the day of serving, thaw to room temperature before cooking or reheating.
Baking Instructions:
Place on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet; brush on egg wash; bake at 400ºF 20-25 minutes, or until crispy brown on the outside and internal temperature reaches 160ºF.
Oil:
The amount of oil you'll use will depend upon the size of the skillet and the number of pies you're frying. Put just enough oil in a skillet to cover the pie dough. 
Frying Instructions:
Use a tall stock pot or Dutch oven and heat oil to 312-325ºF. Once oil is hot, use a long-handled, slotted spoon and slowly lower raw, thawed pies in the oil; work in batches; fry 2-4 minutes each; drain on paper towel
How Many Servings Will This Recipe Make?
  • This recipe for Natchitoches Meat Pie yields about 6 pies that are 7" wide.
  • Make these any size you like
  • I always have leftover meat. This recipe will yield more if you start out with a smaller diameter, but they will be more "bite size" than entree size.

Nutrition Estimate

Serving: 1cupCalories: 2682kcalCarbohydrates: 144gProtein: 50gFat: 213gSaturated Fat: 30gPolyunsaturated Fat: 54gMonounsaturated Fat: 123gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 2703mgPotassium: 961mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1834IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 314mgIron: 11mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dorothy says

    I love these pies although the recipe in Cane River Cookbook is different than yours.
    I will be trying your seasonings in next batch I make. I took these to ladies luncheon at my church today and they were a HIT. They asked me to bring them again.

    Reply

  2. Nolan says

    4 stars
    Lived in Natchitoches and have had meat pies from many places. None of them used sage in the meat pies. Bay leaves are also new to the recipe... Yes, I've had meat pies at Lasyone's...

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Thanks for sharing that info! As I mentioned in the Natchitoches Meat Pie post, I took the liberty of adding some seasonings.

      Reply

  3. Brittney says

    5 stars
    These were absolutely delicious! I had some meat filling leftover, so I put it in a casserole dish, put some leftover mashed potatoes on top then baked it....sort of a "shepherd's pie" -turned out great!

    Reply

  4. Janet Farrugia says

    They are in the oven cooking. I thought the dough would be harder to make than it was. The meat filling is excellent. I also made the dipping sauce which is also tasty.

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Thank you very much! You can refrigerate or freeze the dough and use it later!

      Reply

  5. Neva says

    SOOO glad I read the comments! I was about to try this with a pre-made dough but after reading the comments I’ve changed my mind. Just gonna put on my big-girl britches and make my first ever from scratch dough… wish me luck!

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Neva, you can do it! Make them whatever size and shape you like and remember, they don't have to be "perfect"! Let us know how they turned out? Thank you!

      Reply

  6. A Morell says

    4 stars
    I made these pies last night and have a few comments. First off I wasn’t sure what to do with 4 cups of oil in the meat filling so I left it out. This recipe made soooo much and the dough was a little dry and my crust were thick. I’ll roll out to about 1/8 of an inch next time. My pies were huge and I was able to make about 15.
    That said, the meat filling was very tasty and enjoyed by all.

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      The oil is for fried hand pies and in the post and recipe notes, it says the amount of oil will depend upon the size of the skillet and how many pies you're making. If you're baking them, you won't need oil. Yes, this does make a lot of meat filling, as indicated in the post.

      Reply

  7. Sky says

    Great recipe! My family absolutely loved it!

    Reply

  8. Bea says

    5 stars
    OMG, I love the pie..the only thing I changed was the crust. I love a hot water crust for my pies. I love the crispiness & they just hold up better. I baked them. The filling is definitely the star, it's deeelicios!

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      I'm so glad you enjoyed the Natchitoches Meat Pies! Thank you!

      Reply

  9. Rachel says

    These were really great! But I don’t know what I did “wrong”…I got like 10 +pies. I would totally half this in the future! Gonna freeze the others for another day.

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      As stated in the post, it depends upon how big you make the pies. You can always freeze the meat pie filling.

      Reply

  10. Carlton-Raymond Smoot says

    5 stars
    Hello Anecia! This is Carlton-Raymond (Garrett) Smoot from the Inn at Carnall Hall! This recipe is so authentic and looks very similar to the Lasyone's recipes. I can tell you've really done your research and I really love that!!! I so enjoyed speaking with you during your stay, and I hope to see you again someday!

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Hey Carlton! Thank you very much! I enjoyed meeting you and learning about your Louisiana heritage! See you in October:)

      Reply

  11. Brandy Moreno says

    5 stars
    Made these tonight and my husband and daughter loved them! Thank you for your time for putting this recipe online.

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Hey Brandy! Thank you! I'm glad y'all liked the Natchitoches Meat Pies!

      Reply

  12. Misti says

    5 stars
    Yummy. Made these with a side of red beans and rice.

    Reply

  13. Maria Vannaningo says

    I left some out for Santa. Santa left me a Mercedes.

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      That's hysterical! Glad "Santa" liked them:)

      Reply

      • Ray Klepper says

        5 stars
        My family was from Natchitoches. I grew up on lasyones pies. Live in Shreveport, still go there once a month. Love the food at many restaurants.
        My deceased Aunt Used to make these. I have her recipe, can’t hardly tell the difference.
        Ray K

      • Anecia says

        Oh wow!!! This is a great story and I'm jealous you go to Lasyone's once a month! Thanks, Ray!!

  14. Carmen G Banks says

    I hate to even ask, but has anyone made these with pre-made rollout pie crusts? And how did they turn out?

    Reply

    • Crystal says

      I don't have the patience to make my own dough, but pie crust doesn't really work well. I use Goya brand frozen empanada dough disc's, which is the same type of dough used in this recipe. I actually learned this trick from my husband's aunt who grew up in Natchitoches, who swears by this shortcut, especially when doubling or tripling the recipe.

      Reply

      • Anecia says

        That's interesting! I'll have to try that sometime! Thank you for sharing:)

  15. Whitney says

    can you freeze after cooking?

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Yes, Whitney! You can freeze them. To reheat, let come to room temperature, place on baking sheet at 325 till the inside is hot! I wouldn’t wrap them in foil... they might get soggy...

      Reply

  16. Carla says

    I love these! The place I remember getting them was called Lasyone’s in Natchitoches. I grew up in North Louisiana and visited for the Christmas lights and fireworks every year. Two of best friends from childhood had family there and I visited often with them as well. Knack-adish is how everybody I know pronounces it.

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Thank you, Carla! I actually spoke with the folks at Lasyone's when researching this! They confirmed the ingredients in the original recipe, but wouldn't tell me the exact ingredients in theirs:) ...I don't blame 'em! I'd love to go there and try one!

      Reply

  17. Barry McAllister says

    Really a great recipe, very close to the originals that I ate when I was a young man back in central Louisiana. Delicious recipe! Well worth the time it took to make this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Anecia says

      Thank you, Barry!

      Reply

  18. Ron Ames says

    5 stars
    Great meat pie recipe. Made and really enjoyed.

    Reply

    • SmartyPantsKitchen says

      Thank you, Ron! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

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