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Crispy Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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These bite-sized Shepherd’s Pie Bites feature a crispy wonton or phyllo shell filled with savory ground beef, veggies, and creamy cheddar mashed potatoes. Perfect as a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day or any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 36 wonton wrappers (or phyllo dough sheets, cut into squares)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb or turkey)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced small (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a saucepan. Cover with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork tender. Drain well.
  2. Mash the hot potatoes with 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high, sauté ground beef with diced onion for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and diced carrot; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in frozen peas. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened but still juicy. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or thyme. Turn off heat.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
  7. Press one wonton wrapper (or double layer of phyllo squares) into each muffin cup, letting the edges stick up to form a shell. Brush the inside with melted butter.
  8. Spoon about 1 tbsp of beef filling into each cup, then top with a scoop of mashed potatoes (about 2 tsp). Smooth the potatoes with the back of a spoon.
  9. Brush tops lightly with more melted butter. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until wrappers are golden brown and potatoes have a bit of color. If edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through.
  10. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently loosen with a knife or offset spatula. Sprinkle with extra parsley or smoked paprika if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free wonton wrappers or mini potato nests. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and milk. For vegetarian, use a lentil and mushroom mixture and veggie broth. Don’t overfill the cups to prevent splitting. Assemble ahead and bake just before serving for best crispiness. Bites can be frozen unbaked and baked from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie bites, St. Patrick's Day appetizer, party food, finger food, mini shepherd's pie, crispy appetizer, Irish recipes

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