Mini Shepherd’s Pie

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Creating a delightful Mini Shepherd’s Pie that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and flavor is a culinary adventure anyone can embark on. It’s that cozy dish your family will request time and time again—a blend of seasoned meat, vibrant veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes all tucked under a flaky crust. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning for a cozy gathering, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Reasons to Try It

This Mini Shepherd’s Pie is more than just a delicious meal; it’s an experience to savor. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Kids love it, and its individual portions make it a fun dish for family meals. You can customize it to match your taste, adding or swapping vegetables as you like. This dish shines on chilly evenings or when you want to impress guests with a homemade treat.

“This Mini Shepherd’s Pie is a game-changer! Perfectly portioned, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. My kids devoured it!”

Preparing Mini Shepherd’s Pie

Making this Mini Shepherd’s Pie is straightforward, yet it allows for some creativity. The process includes skillet cooking, assembling, and baking, culminating in a dish that’s both comforting and attractive. You’ll find that the combination of flavors and textures is irresistibly satisfying. Here’s what to expect as you dive into making this delightful pie.

What You’ll Need

To bring your Mini Shepherd’s Pie to life, gather these key ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb: Choose beef for that classic shepherd’s pie taste or lamb for a more traditional approach.
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: Fresh veggies work just as well if you have them on hand.
• 1 small onion, diced: This adds a foundational flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• 1 cup beef broth: Homemade broth adds a deeper richness—highly recommended if you have the time!
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: It contributes a wonderful depth to the meat filling.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Essential for adding that umami flavor we all love.
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: This is crucial for thickening the gravy.
• 3 cups mashed potatoes: Use either creamy homemade or convenient store-bought varieties—either way, it’ll be delicious!
• 1 sheet puff pastry: It creates a beautiful, flaky crust.
• 1 egg, beaten: This will give your pies a lovely golden color when baked.

Step-by-step Instructions

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the veggies: Stir in the diced onion, peas, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Make the filling: Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Slowly stir in the beef broth until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble the pies: Spoon the meat mixture into small ramekins or pie dishes. Top generously with mashed potatoes and smooth with a spatula.
6. Add the crust: Cut puff pastry into rounds that fit your ramekins, then lay them on top. Seal the edges, and brush with the beaten egg for that golden finish.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
8. Serve and enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving for the best taste.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve your Mini Shepherd’s Pie with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted veggies or garlic bread also make delightful companions. For a cozy twist, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine or a light lager to complement the flavors.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your Mini Shepherd’s Pie fresh, allow it to cool completely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, ensure it’s heated thoroughly (165°F) before serving.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Use leftover mashed potatoes: This recipe is fantastic for using up extras from dinner parties.
• Veggie swaps: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like corn or bell peppers according to your taste.
• Spice it up: Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to put a personal spin on your Mini Shepherd’s Pie:

• Make it spicy: Add a splash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• Cheesy topping: Mix some grated cheese into your mashed potatoes for a cheesy twist.
• Low-carb version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower mash or zucchini for a lighter alternative.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare Mini Shepherd’s Pie?
The preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes, making it a quick and delightful dish to whip up.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve.

Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and check that the puff pastry is labeled gluten-free as well.

By following these steps, you’ll create a Mini Shepherd’s Pie that evokes the warmth of home-cooked meals while bringing a smile to everyone at the table. Enjoy this comforting recipe with family and friends any night of the week!

Mini Shepherd's Pie

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This delightful Mini Shepherd's Pie features a comforting blend of seasoned meat, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes under a flaky crust, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: British

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb Beef for classic taste or lamb for a traditional approach.
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots Fresh veggies can also be used.
• 1 small onion, diced Adds foundational flavor.
• 1 cup beef broth Homemade broth is highly recommended.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste For depth in meat filling.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds umami flavor.
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour For thickening the gravy.

Topping

• 3 cups mashed potatoes Creamy homemade or store-bought varieties.
• 1 sheet puff pastry Creates a flaky crust.
• 1 egg beaten For brushing on the crust.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the diced onion, peas, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Slowly stir in the beef broth until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Spoon the meat mixture into small ramekins or pie dishes. Top generously with mashed potatoes and smooth with a spatula.

Baking

1. Cut puff pastry into rounds that fit your ramekins, then lay them on top. Seal the edges, and brush with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
2. Place in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
3. Let cool slightly before serving for the best taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g

Notes

This dish can be served with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for added flavor. Leftover mashed potatoes can be utilized to save time, and feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a flavor boost.

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