Easy Mini Shepherd's Pies

Name: Easy Mini Shepherd's Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 mini pies
Ingredients: 1 pound ground lamb or beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 1 cup peas; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups mashed potatoes; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Delight your family with these Easy Mini Shepherd's Pies, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun twist on a classic dish. These individual-sized pies are filled with savory ground meat, vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, making them a satisfying and comforting meal ideal for any occasion. Bake them in muffin tins for a charming presentation that will impress both kids and adults alike.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-13T17:00:19.544Z

These Easy Mini Shepherd's Pies are not just delicious but also a great way to enjoy a classic dish in a fun and creative format.

A Cozy Dinner Solution

Mini Shepherd's Pies are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. The delightful combination of savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes offers a well-rounded meal in a convenient portion. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual night in, these pies provide warmth and satisfaction that everyone will enjoy.

Serving individual portions adds a fun twist to this classic dish. Not only do they look charming on the dinner plate, but they also allow for easy serving and portion control. Each mini pie is packed with flavor, ensuring that everyone gets their fill of deliciousness without the fuss of slicing into a larger pie.

Kid-Friendly and Fun

These Easy Mini Shepherd's Pies are a hit with the little ones, making meal times easier for parents. Kids love the fun, handheld size and the opportunity to enjoy a meal that they can call their own. You can even involve your children in the preparation process, making it a fun family activity that instills a love for cooking.

Feel free to customize the filling ingredients based on your child’s preferences. If they are not fond of peas or carrots, substitute with their favorite vegetables. This flexibility makes the recipe not only adaptable but also a wonderful opportunity to introduce new flavors to their palate in a playful way.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Another advantage of these mini pies is their suitability for meal prep. You can easily make a larger batch and store them for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply freeze the uncooked mini pies and pop them in the oven for a quick meal that feels homemade even on the busiest days.

Reheating is also straightforward; just place them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This makes it easier to manage busy schedules without compromising on nutritious and delicious meals, ensuring your family enjoys home-cooked flavors without the hassle.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.

For the Filling

1 pound ground lamb or beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 cup peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 cups mashed potatoes
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before use.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, cook the ground meat with chopped onion and diced carrots over medium heat until browned. Stir in peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Assemble the Pies

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup with the meat mixture, then top each with a generous spoonful of mashed potatoes, smoothing the tops.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Let the mini pies rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your Easy Mini Shepherd's Pies, consider serving them with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast to the richness of the pies. The crunchy textures and vibrant flavors of a salad enhance the overall meal experience, making it well-rounded and satisfying.

For a hearty side, consider serving these pies with garlic bread or crusty rolls. The warm, crisp bread will soak up any savory juices left on your plate, making for a delightful dining experience that leaves you feeling fulfilled.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven for the best texture. An oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes will keep the mash creamy and the filling warm without drying it out.

If you opt to freeze them prior to baking, wrap each mini pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated all the way through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pies in advance. Just bake them when you're ready to serve!

→ What can I serve with mini shepherd's pies?

These pies are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a simple side salad.