Meet Natchitoches Meat Pies: A Louisiana ‘Must-Eat’ Comfort Food

It has been around for centuries.

If there is a formula for success to any recipe, it's ground meat + dough. These two ingredients are the perfect combination for an easy, cozy meal. It's likely a lot of people love this combo as much as I do. But, one state in particular enjoys this pairing so much, it makes up the base for one of its signature dishes.

Meet Natchitoches Meat Pies: A Centuries-Old Louisiana Comfort Recipe

This state is none other than Louisiana, where a centuries-old recipe takes meat and dough and turns it into a legendary dish. These little pockets of seasoned meat almost resemble empenadas.

Despite growing up in one of Louisiana's neighboring states, I’d admittedly never heard of Natchitoches meat pies. But, after a friend recommended checking out this beloved recipe, I immediately understood why it is so popular. Not only is it an easy recipe to replicate at home, I can’t think of a more comforting food to have on hand for winter.

Where Did Natchitoches Meat Pies Come From?

Ask someone from North Louisiana what dish you need to try while you are in the state, and aNatchitoches meat pie is likely to be the answer.

The city of Natchitoches has a rich history as the oldest permanent European settlement in the territory of the Louisiana Purchase. If you hadn’t already guessed, the city is the namesake for the beloved meat pies. The origins of the recipe are uncertain, but the dish is possibly the result of Spanish influence in the 18th century, according to the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival.

Natchitoches meat pies are commonly sold by street vendors, at a variety of Louisiana restaurants, or made homemade. While they originated in Natchitoches, they are eaten throughout the entire state.

While many consider this a “must eat” when you visit Louisiana, they are easy to replicate at home. Typically, they are filled with beef and pork. Seasoning can vary based on what part of Louisiana you eat them in. Popularly, all they are seasoned with is onion, peppers, and celery — but you can find pies that are a little spicier or flavored with a Cajun spice mix.

The meat is stuffed inside dough like a turnover then fried to make a handheld treat. They are great to make ahead and freeze, then enjoy for weeks to come. Not only are they easy to eat, they are easy to make. In fact, making them might be easier than pronouncing "Natchitoches!"

How to Make Natchitoches Meat Pies

There are a variety of different ways to make Natchitoches meat pies. As long as you have meat, a dough, and seasoning, you are good to go.

Fans of the recipe say love its simplicity. While many people make the pie dough from scratch, our recipe calls for store-bought dough.

To put these pies together, cook your meat with the spices and onions. For the dough, cut them into circles with a five-inch diameter and add the meat into the center. Fold the dough over the meat like a turnover, and press down the edges.

The hardest part is frying, but this is the step that makes the crust so flaky and crispy. Once you have your pies ready to go, you should serve them immediately so that they are still warm.