🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12 Mini Pies)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet shortcrust pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (for the tops)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Muffin tin or mini pie pans
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or mini pie pans to prevent sticking.
Start by preparing the filling. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon so the texture stays fine and even. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and flour. Mix well so the flour coats the beef evenly—this helps thicken the filling later.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
While the filling cools, cut the shortcrust pastry into circles large enough to line the bottom and sides of each muffin cup. Gently press the pastry into place, making sure there are no gaps or tears. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pastry shell.
Cut the puff pastry into slightly larger circles and place them over the filling. Press and seal the edges, then cut a small slit in the center of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush generously with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and deeply golden. Let the pies cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve these mini beef pies warm with mashed potatoes, peas, or a simple green salad. They’re also perfect on their own as a handheld snack or appetizer.
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
🔢 Calories: ~275 kcal per pie
🍴 Yield: 12 mini pies
