Mini Shepherd's Pies
Individually portioned shepherd's pies filled with savory meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb Use 80/20 ground beef or fresh ground lamb for best flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Use double-concentrated for deeper flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth Low-sodium recommended.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes, prepared ahead of time Use starchy russets for fluffiest texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) For topping.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin or individual ramekins with cooking spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until fully browned, then drain off excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
Building the Filling
- Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots and stir. Allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid thickens.
Assembling the Pies
- Spoon the meat mixture into greased muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Top each cup with prepared mashed potatoes, smoothing it evenly across the filling.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the potato tops.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.
Garnishing
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
These mini shepherd's pies can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. Reheat gently to maintain texture. For variations, consider using lentils for a vegetarian option or lamb for an authentic taste.