These Mini Shepherd’s Pies offer a satisfying and comforting meal, perfect for any day of the week. The combination of savory ground beef or lamb with tender carrots, peas, and rich gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes, makes each bite incredibly flavorful.
The best part? These individual pies are just the right size for serving up a personal, hearty meal. They are perfect for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a meal prep idea for the week. Plus, the layers of comforting flavors are sure to make this dish a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the pan. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Mash potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the meat mixture into individual baking dishes. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mini Shepherd’s Pies are a delightful twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, offering all the comforting flavors of the traditional dish in individual servings. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing meals for the week, or hosting a dinner party, these mini pies will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
A Comforting Classic Reimagined
The shepherd’s pie has been a beloved dish for centuries. Originating in the United Kingdom, it was traditionally made with lamb or beef and topped with mashed potatoes. The dish was born out of necessity, designed as a way to use up leftovers from a Sunday roast. Over time, shepherd’s pie became a staple in many homes, cherished for its simplicity, heartiness, and ability to feed a large group. Today, the recipe has evolved to include various fillings and toppings, but the essence of the dish remains the same: a comforting, warm meal that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Mini Shepherd’s Pies take this classic comfort food and scale it down to individual servings. These smaller portions not only make for a more visually appealing dish but also allow for easy customization. You can easily make a batch of these pies to serve a crowd or prep them for a week’s worth of meals. This makes the recipe perfect for busy families or anyone who enjoys meal prepping.
Why Mini Shepherd’s Pies Are the Best
There are many reasons why Mini Shepherd’s Pies should be a go-to dish in your meal rotation. Below are some of the key benefits and why this recipe is the best:
- Perfect for Portion Control
One of the main benefits of mini versions of dishes is the ability to control portion sizes. Each mini pie is a satisfying meal on its own, which helps with portion management. This is especially helpful when trying to maintain a balanced diet or when cooking for people with varying appetites. No more second-guessing how much to serve or dealing with leftovers—just the perfect amount every time. - Comforting and Hearty
Mini Shepherd’s Pies are packed with hearty ingredients that provide a balanced meal. The filling of ground beef or lamb, vegetables like carrots and peas, and rich gravy all combine to create a savory and satisfying dish. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for cozying up on a cold day or enjoying a hearty dinner after a long day. - Easy to Make Ahead
This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. You can prepare these mini pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven for a quick and delicious meal. Making them ahead of time saves you time on busy days and ensures that you have a comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it. - Customizable to Your Taste
Another advantage of Mini Shepherd’s Pies is that they are highly customizable. While the traditional version uses ground beef or lamb, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms. This versatility makes the recipe suitable for various dietary preferences, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets. You can also add your favorite vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms, to make the pies uniquely yours. - Kid-Friendly
Mini Shepherd’s Pies are perfect for kids! The individual servings make it easy for little hands to hold, and the familiar flavors are often a hit with younger eaters. The combination of mashed potatoes and savory meat filling is especially appealing to kids, making this dish a great way to get them to enjoy vegetables and protein without any fuss. - Great for Entertaining
If you’re hosting a dinner party, Mini Shepherd’s Pies are a great option. Not only are they easy to prepare and serve, but they also make for a beautiful presentation. Each mini pie is a perfectly portioned, individual meal that your guests will appreciate. Pair them with a side salad and a glass of wine for a complete meal. Plus, they can be made in advance and reheated when it’s time to eat, which takes the stress out of hosting. - Freezer-Friendly
Mini Shepherd’s Pies can be stored in the freezer for later use. This makes them an excellent option for busy days or for those who want to stock up on homemade meals. Simply bake the pies, allow them to cool, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop them in the oven to reheat. They will taste just as delicious as the first time. - Nutritionally Balanced
These mini pies offer a well-rounded meal with protein from the meat, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes. The recipe can easily be adapted to suit various nutritional needs. For instance, swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes provides an extra boost of vitamins, while using lean meat or plant-based protein sources can lower the fat content. You can also add more vegetables to the filling for an extra dose of nutrients.
How to Serve Mini Shepherd’s Pies
Mini Shepherd’s Pies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to take your meal to the next level:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the shepherd’s pie. Consider adding ingredients like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a light lemon dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips are an excellent side dish to pair with Mini Shepherd’s Pies. Their slightly sweet and caramelized flavors balance the savory meat and mashed potatoes.
- Gravy or Sauce: If you prefer a little extra sauce with your meal, serve the mini pies with some homemade gravy or a savory mushroom sauce. This addition will make each bite even more indulgent.
- Bread: A slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls can be a nice addition for dipping into the rich filling or gravy. It’s the perfect way to soak up every bit of flavor.
Conclusion
Mini Shepherd’s Pies are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. With their perfect portion sizes, customizable ingredients, and rich, hearty flavors, they are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal, an easy make-ahead option, or a dish to serve at a gathering, Mini Shepherd’s Pies check all the boxes. They’re easy to make, can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, and they’re just downright delicious. Add them to your recipe repertoire today, and they’ll soon become a favorite in your household.
This recipe is the epitome of comfort food at its finest and will quickly become a regular on your dinner table.