Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies

Let’s be real – shepherd’s pie can be a bit much to put together on a regular night, especially with kids asking for a snack every five minutes. Enter: Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies.

These adorable, handheld versions of a classic dish are quick, kid-friendly, and they hit every comfort food note. Plus, they’re easy to take on the go or pop in a lunchbox!

Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies are about to be your new favorite twist on a classic. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that combines all the best flavors of shepherd’s pie in one bite-sized, flaky package.

Why You’ll Love These Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies

Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies are convenient, easy to make, and perfect for busy families on the go. They’re kid-approved and packed with flavors even picky eaters will love. If you’re meal-prepping, they’re freezer-friendly and make a great option for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced small
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 rib of celery, diced small
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¾ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• 1 ½ teaspoons italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons flour 
• 1 ¼ cup beef broth
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ cup frozen peas
• 1 package of puff pastry
• 1 egg

Garnish

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies

Make sure to dice and chop all the vegetables first.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the garlic, onion, carrot and celery. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.

Then break apart the ground beef into the pan. Season with the salt and pepper. Stir and cook the meat and veggies together until no more pink is seen in the ground beef.

Go in with the rest of the seasonings, soy sauce and tomato paste. Stir together until combined.

Then add in the flour, stirring again to coat everything evenly.

Pour in the beef broth and diced potatoes. Stir together. Let cook for a few minutes.

Then add the peas, thyme and rosemary. Stir everything once again and cook on medium low heat for 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool completely.

While this cools, remove the puff pastry from the freezer to unthaw.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Once the pastry sheets have thawed and the shepherd’s mixture has cooled, prepare the hand pies.

Place on a sheet of the puff pastry on a clean surface. Roll out slightly with a rolling pin. Cut six rectangular squares out from the sheet, Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to follow the indentations already in the puff pastry sheet (if using Pepperidge Farm’s brand). Then cut evenly in half perpendicular to the initial cuts.

Fill the center of each rectangle with the meat filling, leaving about a half an inch of space from the edge of the pastry sheet.

In a small bowl whisk an egg together for the egg wash. Brush the sides of the pastry sheet around the meat filling.

Roll out of the other pastry sheet. Place on top of the meat filling and press the corners together. Then press the sheet down between each hand pie cut section. Repeat the cutting process of the pastry sheet, following the first sheet as a guide.

Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet.

Use a fork to crimp the edges of each pie and seal the pastries. Brush everything with the egg wash.

Place in the oven and let bake for about 20 minutes or until the hand pies have puffed up and are a beautiful golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. 

Then enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

1. Get That Perfect Golden Crust

The crust is key for any hand pie, and the best way to get that golden-brown look and flaky texture is by using an egg wash. Before baking, lightly brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg. This not only gives a beautiful shine but also helps seal the edges for minimal filling leaks. If you’re looking for extra crispiness, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt or even a little grated cheese on top.

2. Keep the Dough Cold

Cold dough is easier to handle, shapes better, and leads to a flakier crust. After rolling out your pie crust or puff pastry, pop it back in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before filling. If the dough gets too warm, it can become sticky, making it harder to work with and less likely to hold its shape. Cold dough hitting a hot oven also helps create those lovely layers in the crust.

3. Don’t Overfill

As tempting as it is to pack in as much filling as possible, overfilling will cause the pies to burst open in the oven. A tablespoon or so of filling is usually enough for each pie. Make sure there’s a little room around the edges to seal them tightly, keeping all those tasty flavors locked inside.

4. Use a Fork to Crimp the Edges

After placing your filling and sealing the hand pies, use a fork to press down along the edges. This not only gives a rustic look but also reinforces the seal, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking. Just be careful not to press too hard, as it could break through the dough.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies work perfectly for lunchboxes, family dinners, or as a satisfying snack on the go. Some fun flavor variations might include using lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie filling or adding even more veggies for a nutrient-packed version.

Why Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies are the Ultimate Comfort Food

These little hand pies deliver all the cozy feels of a full shepherd’s pie in a compact, handheld form. They’re also a fun cooking activity with the kids – let them help fill the pies and crimp the edges for a little extra family fun.

Here are some more amazing recipes to try!

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Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!

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