Mini Shepherd's Pies
Try this Mini Shepherd's Pies recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Mini Shepherd's Pies recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive
- 2 sheets of puffed pastry dough thawed
- 3 baked sweet potatoes (i used new jersey sweet pota they are white) you could use pre-made mashed too.
- 1/2 packet dry onion soup mix
- 12 oz's of frozen mixed vegetables i use carrots green beans, peas, & corn.
- 3 dashes worcestershire sauce
- 5 tbsp grated (not powdered) parmesan cheese
- 1 egg beaten with 2 tbsp water (egg wash)
- 1/4 tsp thyme (fresh if you have it)
- Carbohydrate 0.234610185185185 g
- Cholesterol 32.7594489444444 mg
- Fat 1.44420279059259 g
- Fiber 0.0342351839983905 g
- Protein 11.0255815498889 g
- Saturated Fat 0.479338983148148 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (51g)
- Sodium 35.3659991481482 mg
- Sugar 0.200375001186795 g
- Trans Fat 0.237609719148148 g
- Calories 61 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Poke holes in sweet potatoes, wrap potatoes in tin foil, and bake for 50-60 minutes or until fork tender.
- In medium sized pan, heat extra virgin olive oil and brown ground turkey, drain turkey in a strainer then add in 1/2 packet of dry onion soup mix, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp thyme, and 3 dashes worcestershire sauce to ground meat and mix well.
- In a separate small pot heat frozen vegetables according to directions, and drain any excess liquid in a strainer. Then add in 1/2 tsp salt to vegetable mix.
- Cut 2 puffed pastry sheets into 9 squares, 3 rows across, and 3 rows down. You will have 18 squares total.
- When sweet potatoes are done, peel, and mash up well in a bowl. Add in 5 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese to mashed sweet potatoes.
- Set up a meat, veggies, potato station and fill your pies.
- Brush the puffed pastry edges with the beaten egg wash, and bake for 16-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika if you like.
- Cool about 3 minutes then remove from muffin tin to serving plate.
Mini Shepherd's Pies: A Busy Mom's Delight
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and ensuring everyone gets a nutritious meal on the table, finding time to cook elaborate dinners often feels impossible. That's why I’ve become a huge fan of recipes that are both delicious and incredibly efficient. These mini shepherd's pies are a perfect example. They're elegant enough to impress guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal, even after a long day at the office. And the best part? They’re incredibly customizable!
The Magic of Mini-Everything: I've found that making individual portions of dishes like shepherd's pie is a game-changer. It simplifies portion control, making it easy to pack leftovers for lunch or even freeze some for a future meal. No more struggling to reheat a giant casserole; just grab a few individual pies and you’re good to go. This also means less cleanup; small portions, small pans, and less mess. I often find myself making double the recipe on a busy Sunday, storing them in the freezer, and pulling out a few ready-to-bake pies whenever the time is short and the family's appetite is large.
Sweet Potato Twist: While traditional shepherd's pie uses mashed potatoes, I've opted for sweet potatoes in this recipe. They add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful vibrant color that elevates the dish's visual appeal. The texture is also wonderfully creamy and complements the savory ground turkey and vegetable filling perfectly. If you’re short on time, pre-made mashed sweet potatoes work just as well – and I have used that quite often! No judgement in saving time. It all works!
Flavor Combinations: One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Instead of a frozen mix, you could use fresh or roasted vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans. You can also swap the ground turkey for ground beef or lamb, depending on your preference and dietary restrictions. I sometimes add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top for a tangy twist.
Time-Saving Strategies: I’m all about efficient cooking, especially when I'm dealing with a tight schedule. To save time, I often prep the ingredients the night before or even on the weekend. I'll brown the ground turkey and chop the vegetables, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Then, when it’s time to assemble the pies, it's a quick and easy process. Even prepping the egg wash ahead of time helps to streamline the baking process and makes it smoother.
Presentation Matters: Even a simple dish can look impressive with a little attention to detail. These mini shepherd’s pies are beautiful served in small ramekins or a muffin tin. A sprinkle of paprika adds a pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor. These little pies are perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a family dinner, offering both comfort and ease.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the moments. I love the feeling of creating a comforting, home-cooked meal for my family, especially after a long and busy day. It’s a small act of love that brings us together and creates lasting memories. It's my personal moment of peace in our hectic day, a pause that reminds me why I do what I do. The scent of baking pies fills our kitchen with warmth, creating a cozy environment and reminding me that despite the chaos, there is a sense of stability. The joy of sharing that experience with my family is a gift that these little pies offer, well beyond the taste.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious, efficient, and satisfying meal, give these mini shepherd's pies a try. They’re a testament to the fact that good food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s all about finding shortcuts that don't compromise on taste or quality. You might find that they become a new family favourite, just as they have become a staple in my kitchen.
