Easy Mini Shepherd’s Pies
Easy Mini Shepherd’s Pies are individual-sized comfort food perfect for quick, hearty meals. Featuring a savory ground meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, these pies bake to golden perfection in minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining, they offer portion control, versatility, and delicious flavor everyone will love.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini pies 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or stock (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp butter (or plant-based butter for dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme or rosemary
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs peeled potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter (or plant-based butter)
- 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Grated cheddar or parmesan cheese, for topping
- Chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick
- Sweet potatoes as alternative topping
- Prepare the filling: Sauté finely chopped onions and carrots in butter or oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Stir in tomato paste, peas, and beef broth, then simmer until the mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Make the mashed potato topping: Boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth but still fluffy enough to hold shape.
- Assemble the mini pies: Spoon or divide the meat filling evenly into individual ramekins or muffin tins. Pipe or spoon the mashed potatoes on top. Use a fork to create texture on the mashed potato surface for a classic look.
- Bake to golden perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled pies for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden and edges bubble with filling.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes for better piping and shape maintenance.
- Do not overfill ramekins or muffin tins to avoid overflow during baking.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking for an extra savory crust.
- Let the filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy potato layers.
- Experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, mini pies, quick dinner, family meal, comfort food, gluten free, individual portions, easy recipe