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Mini Shepherd’s Pies

Mini Shepherd’s Pies
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Mini Shepherd’s Pies are individual-sized comforting dishes combining savory ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Ready in under an hour, they offer perfect portions and a versatile, family-friendly meal that’s easy to customize for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Filling

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable stock
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Lentils or mushrooms (to replace meat for vegetarian option)
  • Feta cheese and olives (for Greek style)
  • Chili flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • Mashed sweet potatoes (instead of white potatoes)
  • Ensure all sauces and stocks are gluten-free for gluten-free diet

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in diced vegetables, tomato paste, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Pour in stock and simmer gently until flavorful and slightly thickened.
  2. Make the Mashed Potato Topping: Boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter and cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the topping is fluffy and rich to complement the savory filling.
  3. Assemble the Mini Pies: Spoon the filling evenly into greased muffin tins or ramekins, then layer the mashed potatoes on top. Use a fork to create decorative ridges or peaks on the potatoes to encourage browning.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled pies in a preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly before removing them from tins. This helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to handle when serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs to add vibrant freshness and elevate the flavor profile.
  • Don’t overfill the molds; leave space for the mashed potatoes to spread and brown beautifully.
  • Finely chop vegetables for even cooking and smooth filling texture.
  • Lightly grease molds to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of each pie.
  • Assemble pies ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to save time on busy days.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini shepherd’s pies, individual shepherd’s pies, comfort food, family meal, ground lamb, ground beef, mashed potatoes, gluten free, easy dinner

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/mini-shepherds-pies/