Step 1: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
Step 3: Stir in onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
Step 5: Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Step 6: Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 7: Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9: Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Step 10: Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
Step 11: Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling onto the center of each dough circle.
Step 12: Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold it over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal.
Step 13: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pies for a decorative finish.
Step 14: Repeat steps 9-13 with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 15: Place the meat pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 16: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
Step 17: Brush the tops of the meat pies with the egg wash.
Step 18: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 19: Remove from the oven and let the meat pies cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 20: Enjoy the delicious Natchitoches Meat Pies!

- Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or vegetarian ground meat substitute. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Onion: If you don't have onion, you can use shallots or leeks as a substitute. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Green bell pepper: Substitute with red bell pepper or yellow bell pepper. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Garlic: If you don't have garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use half the quantity of fresh garlic mentioned in the original recipe.
- Cajun seasoning: Create your own Cajun seasoning by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.
- Worcestershire sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or tamari sauce. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Hot sauce: Use any hot sauce of your choice or substitute with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.
- Pie dough: If you don't have pie dough, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as a substitute. Adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly based on the alternative dough used.

Note: These are suggested substitutions, and the taste and texture of the final dish may vary slightly from the original recipe. Adjustments to cooking time and seasoning may be required based on personal preferences.

- Red beans and rice
- Gumbo
- Jambalaya
- Crawfish étouffée
- Shrimp and grits
- Fried catfish
- Collard greens
- Cornbread
- Po' boys
- Beignets
- Sazerac cocktail
- Sweet tea

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the meat pie with a drizzle of homemade spicy remoulade sauce or a tangy creole mustard sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color.
- Serve the meat pie on a bed of mixed greens or microgreens for an elegant touch.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions and sautéed bell peppers to the meat filling for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a hint of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the meat mixture to give it a smoky or spicy kick.
- Mix in a small amount of cooked and crumbled bacon or Andouille sausage to enhance the savory taste.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, locally sourced ground beef or lamb for a richer and more flavorful filling.
- Replace regular pastry dough with a buttery puff pastry for a flakier and more indulgent crust.
- Add a touch of truffle oil or truffle butter to the meat filling for an extravagant and earthy aroma.

Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate the Natchitoches Meat Pie, but feel free to adapt them based on your personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!

- Use lean ground meat (such as turkey or chicken) instead of fatty meats like beef or pork to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for individuals with gluten intolerance.
- Opt for low-sodium broth or homemade broth to reduce sodium content.
- Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter or lard to reduce saturated fat.
- Increase the vegetable-to-meat ratio in the filling to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a vegetable salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, use lactose-free or plant-based milk instead of regular milk in the dough.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the dough and filling for those on a low-sodium diet.
- Consider baking the meat pies instead of deep-frying to reduce the overall calorie and fat content.
- Offer a vegetarian or vegan version using plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.

- Use lean ground meat or substitute with lean turkey or chicken.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling, such as bell peppers, onions, and celery.
- Use whole wheat or whole grain pastry dough instead of regular white flour dough.
- Bake the meat pies instead of deep frying them to reduce the amount of added fat.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the filling and dough.
- Use low-sodium or homemade broth instead of commercially prepared broth.
- Add herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, and garlic for flavor instead of relying on excessive salt.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a salad to increase the nutrient content.
- Consider making smaller portion sizes to control calorie intake.
- Use a cooking spray instead of oil or butter to reduce added fat.

1. Use pre-made pie crusts or puff pastry sheets to save time on dough preparation.
2. Opt for ground beef instead of a combination of ground pork and beef to reduce cost without compromising flavor.
3. Prepare a large batch of filling in advance and freeze it for future use.
4. Use a food processor to quickly chop onions, bell peppers, and celery for the filling.
5. Substitute store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of making your own to save time and money on individual spices.
6. Bake smaller-sized meat pies to reduce cooking time and ensure even baking.
7. Consider using a deep-fryer instead of oven-baking for a quicker cooking method.
8. Make mini meat pies using pre-made tart shells or phyllo cups for a faster and more economical option.
9. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out dough circles instead of hand-shaping each pie individually.
10. Serve with a simple side salad or coleslaw instead of more elaborate sides to save on preparation time and ingredients.

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