Delicious Mini Cottage Pies: Perfect Comfort Food Treats

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There’s something heartwarming about mini cottage pies. Picture golden, flaky pastry cradling a hearty filling of savory meat and veggies, wafting delicious aromas that lead you to the kitchen like a moth to a flame. These mini delights are perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or even a cheeky midnight snack when the fridge is calling your name.

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I still remember the first time I tried making mini cottage pies. My friends and I had an impromptu dinner party, and let’s just say, the kitchen turned into a scene from a comedy movie. Flour everywhere, accidental spills, and laughter filling the air. The end result? A delightful mix of flavors in tiny pie form that had everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These mini cottage pies are not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor that will impress your guests
  • The golden crust looks beautiful on any plate and adds a satisfying crunch
  • They are versatile enough to use whatever fillings you have on hand—beef, chicken, or even veggies
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday feasts!

My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, especially when I accidentally made one too many and ended up gifting them some leftovers.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Use lean beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor; ground turkey works well too.
  • Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for the best results.
  • Carrots: Diced finely so they cook quickly; they add color and natural sweetness to the filling.
  • Frozen Peas: No need to thaw; they bring vibrant green color and freshness to each bite.
  • Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing richness in flavor.
  • Puff Pastry Sheets: Choose high-quality puff pastry for that irresistible flaky texture; thawed and ready to roll.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; don’t be shy!
  • Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy aroma—fresh thyme is delicious if you have it on hand!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Mini Cottage Pies

How to Make Mini Cottage Pies

Preheat your oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, gather all your ingredients and tools.

Sauté the Veggies: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots, cooking until they soften—about five minutes should do it! Your kitchen will smell incredible by now.

Add the Meat and Seasoning: Toss in the ground beef along with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook until browned—don’t forget to break it up as it cooks so you get those perfectly tender bites!

Mix in Broth and Peas: Pour in beef broth and add frozen peas. Stir everything together while letting it simmer for about ten minutes until thickened slightly—a comforting aroma will fill your home.

Prepare Your Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Cut circles that will fit nicely into muffin tins or individual ramekins.

Assemble Your Pies: Place pastry circles into greased muffin tins or ramekins. Fill each with your savory mixture then top with another layer of pastry. Crimp edges well so no filling escapes during baking!

Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake your mini cottage pies in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Your patience will be rewarded with a lovely crispy crust!

Enjoy these delightful little pies hot out of the oven! Trust me; they’ll become an instant favorite around your dinner table!

You Must Know

  • Mini Cottage Pies are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food
  • These bite-sized wonders are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
  • The rich flavors and flaky crust will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your filling while the oven preheats. Cook the meat, add vegetables, and simmer while preparing the pastry.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out meats or throw in some spices for a unique flavor profile. Experimentation is key!

Storing & Reheating

Store Mini Cottage Pies in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To ensure your Mini Cottage Pies are perfect every time, consider these insights: Use cold butter for a flakier crust
  • Let fillings cool slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess
  • Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish

There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a tray of these little pies from the oven, especially when friends exclaim over their deliciousness!

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground meat in Mini Cottage Pies?

You can use lentils or mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian filling.

How do I prevent my Mini Cottage Pies from getting soggy?

Make sure your filling is not too wet and pre-bake the crust slightly.

Can I freeze Mini Cottage Pies?

Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for an easy meal later on.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mini Cottage Pies


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6 mini pies 1x

Description

Mini Cottage Pies are the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful combination of flaky pastry and savory filling. These bite-sized wonders are perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at gatherings. With tender ground beef, vibrant veggies, and aromatic herbs encased in golden puff pastry, each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, these mini pies are sure to become a household favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and carrots until soft.
  3. Add ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme; cook until browned.
  4. Stir in beef broth and frozen peas; simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
  5. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface; cut into circles to fit muffin tins.
  6. Place pastry in greased muffin tins, fill with meat mixture, and top with another pastry layer; crimp edges.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cottage pie (75g)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

 

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