Mini Shepherd’s Pies are a comforting and delicious twist on the classic dish, served in individual portions. These bite-sized versions are perfect for parties, meal prep, or a cozy dinner. With a flavorful meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, they deliver all the heartiness of traditional shepherd’s pie in a fun, easy-to-serve format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Portioned – Ideal for individual servings, making them great for meal prep or entertaining.
Rich and Comforting – Packed with seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes.
Customizable – Can be made with different meats or even a vegetarian filling.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or party appetizer, these mini pies are a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or lamb
Onion
Carrots
Peas
Garlic
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth
Mashed potatoes
Butter
Milk
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Meat Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add the Vegetables: Stir in chopped onions, carrots, peas, and garlic. Cook until softened.
Season and Simmer: Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: If not using pre-made mashed potatoes, mash boiled potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Pies: Spoon the meat mixture into greased muffin tins or ramekins. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are slightly golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 mini pies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
Cheesy Topping: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Gluten-Free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked pies for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pies and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

2. Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! It saves time and works just as well.

3. What type of meat works best?

Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, but ground beef, turkey, or chicken also work well.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to include corn, green beans, or mushrooms for extra flavor.

5. How do I make them extra crispy on top?

Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to get a golden, slightly crispy potato topping.

6. Can I use puff pastry instead of mashed potatoes?

Yes! Place a round of puff pastry on top before baking for a different texture.

7. Can I make this in a casserole dish instead of mini portions?

Of course! Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and increase the bake time to 30-35 minutes.

8. What can I serve with these?

A side salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread pair well with mini shepherd’s pies.

9. How can I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

10. Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

Mini Shepherd’s Pies bring all the comforting flavors of the classic dish into a fun, individual-sized serving. They are perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or a simple weeknight dinner. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy this cozy, delicious dish!