Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mini Savory Shepherd's Pies?
Mini Savory Shepherd's Pies are a flavorful, individual-sized twist on the classic British dish, featuring a biscuit base, meat or veggie filling, mashed potatoes, and melted cheese.
What is the crust made of in this recipe?
The crust is made from refrigerated biscuits that are pressed into a muffin pan and partially baked.
How many pies does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for a 12-count muffin pan, making 12 mini shepherd's pies.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long do you partially bake the biscuit crusts?
The biscuit crusts should be partially baked for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly golden.
What meat is traditionally used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground beef, though ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes.
Can I make a vegetarian version of these mini pies?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with veggie crumbles and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The recipe uses one cup of frozen mixed vegetables and half a minced onion.
How do you thicken the meat mixture?
The mixture is thickened by stirring in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a paste-like consistency before adding the stock.
What kind of stock should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of beef stock, but other stocks can be substituted depending on your protein choice.
What herbs are used to season the filling?
The filling is seasoned with fresh flat-leaf parsley and fresh rosemary leaf.
How are the mashed potatoes prepared for the topping?
Mashed potatoes are reheated and then mixed with granulated garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use either leftover homemade mashed potatoes or instant mashed potatoes for this recipe.
What is the assembly order for the layers?
The layers start with a biscuit crust, followed by 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes, then 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, topped with shredded cheese.
What type of cheese is used on top?
The recipe calls for two cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long is the final baking time?
The assembled pies are returned to the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
How many calories are in one mini pie?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each mini pie provides approximately 11.3 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content per pie?
Each pie contains about 333mg of sodium.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these mini pies freeze well and are easy to pack for lunches or picnics.
How should I remove the pies from the muffin tin?
Allow the pies to cool slightly, then carefully run a knife around the edges to remove them.
What aromatics are used in the meat mixture?
The meat mixture uses minced onion and minced garlic.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to brown the meat.
What should I do if the biscuit crust puffs up during pre-baking?
Remove them from the oven and gently press the center down with the back of a spoon.
What is the cholesterol content?
The cholesterol content is approximately 50mg per serving.
Are these pies good for tailgate parties?
Yes, their individual size and portability make them perfect for tailgates and family gatherings.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh mixed vegetables, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time in the skillet.
What size can of biscuits is required?
You will need one 12-ounce can of refrigerated biscuits.
How much garlic powder is used in the potato topping?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of granulated garlic powder in the mashed potatoes.
How much onion powder is added to the potatoes?
The potato topping is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of granulated onion powder.