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Mini Shepherd’s Pie Bites

These Mini Shepherd’s Pie Bites are a delightful, shareable twist on the classic comfort food, featuring savory beef, seasonal vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes encased in flaky pastry.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: British, Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb (for best flavor, choose grass-fed beef)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn bring nice sweetness)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (finely chopped for even cooking)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always better)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (homemade for richness)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (for fluffiness)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole milk makes it creamier)
  • Salt to taste
For the Pastry
  • 1 package puff pastry, thawed (try the all-butter kind for extra flakiness)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash to give those bites a beautiful golden color)

Method
 

Preparation of Potatoes
  1. Begin by boiling the cubed potatoes in salted water. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the room temperature butter, milk, and salt. Mash until creamy and smooth!
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onions become translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula for even cooking.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mixed vegetables, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, cutting it into small squares (about 4x4 inches).
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Spoon a generous amount of meat filling into the center of each pastry square, then top with a dollop of mashed potatoes. Fold the corners over, sealing tightly.
  4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush with beaten egg.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
Serving
  1. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious bites with a dollop of sour cream or gravy!

Notes

These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.