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Crispy Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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These bite-sized appetizers combine savory seasoned beef, creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, and flaky golden pastry for a fun, portable twist on classic shepherd’s pie. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz ground beef (about 1 cup, 85% lean recommended)
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup carrot, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 refrigerated pie crusts (about 14 oz total)
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse salt or sesame seeds, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a small saucepan, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to pan. Mash with butter, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion, carrot, and garlic to the beef; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook another 2 minutes, stirring well. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2.5-inch round cutter (or glass) to cut out 24 circles. Gently press each circle into the wells of a mini muffin tin, making sure the pastry goes up the sides.
  5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of beef filling into each pastry cup. Top with a heaping teaspoon of mashed potatoes. Optionally, sprinkle with extra cheese.
  6. Brush exposed pastry edges with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until pastry is deep golden and crisp and filling is bubbling.
  7. Let bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently loosening with a butter knife. Serve warm.

Notes

Chill pastry before cutting for best results. Don’t overfill cups to avoid overflow. For gluten-free, use GF pastry crust; for dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk, and omit cheese. Filling and mash can be made ahead for quick assembly. Bites freeze well and can be baked from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie bites, St. Patrick's Day appetizer, party snack, mini shepherd's pie, Irish appetizer, comfort food, easy appetizer, beef bites, mashed potato bites, pastry appetizer

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-shepherds-pie-bites-recipe-easy-st-patricks-day-appetizer/