Have you ever found yourself craving a meal that encapsulates both comfort and a burst of flavor, yet is effortlessly easy to prepare? Enter the Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies! This delightful dish not only satisfies your palate but also brings a sense of cozy warmth, reminiscent of traditional Irish dinners. Combining tender ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this recipe offers a unique twist on comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can create these mouthwatering mini pies in your own kitchen!

Ingredients Needed

To whip up a batch of these Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef: Opt for grass-fed if possible for enhanced flavor and nutritional profile.
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Their natural sweetness balances the meatiness of the beef.
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds a robust flavor base to the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for any savory dish, enhancing aroma and taste.
• 1 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and depth to the filling; you can use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A dash of umami that elevates the beef’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon thyme and 1 teaspoon rosemary: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor profiles.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling.
• 1 package of puff pastry: The flaky crust that holds it all together.
• 1 egg, beaten: For a beautiful golden finish.

Timing

Preparation and cooking for this dish will take about 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average pie recipe. Here’s how the breakdown looks:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

With this efficient timing, you can easily impress guests or prepare a family dinner even on busy weeknights.

How to Make Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to getting that golden flaky crust!

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes

Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into circles, roughly 4-6 inches in diameter, depending on your desired pie size.

Step 5: Assemble the Pies

Place a generous spoonful of the beef and sweet potato mixture in the center of each pastry circle.

Step 6: Form the Pies

Fold the pastry over to create a pocket and seal the edges using a fork or by crimping with your fingers.

Step 7: Apply the Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the mini pies with the beaten egg, giving them that beautiful golden sheen when baked.

Step 8: Bake

Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Let the mini pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors!

Nutritional Information

These Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies are not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional insights based on a serving (1 pie):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

This nutritional profile makes them a hearty option, perfect for a balanced meal.

Healthier Alternatives For Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies

To boost the health quotient of your mini pies while keeping the flavor intact, consider the following alternatives:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Replace ground beef with leaner poultry options for a lower-fat alternative.
• Quinoa or Lentils: Swap out half of the meat for cooked quinoa or lentils to add more fiber.
• Whole Wheat Puff Pastry: Look for whole wheat varieties for additional nutrients.
• Skip the Egg Wash: Omit the egg wash for a vegan version and brush with olive oil instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies with a side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. You can also pair them with a creamy coleslaw or a bowl of piping hot vegetable soup for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

1. Overfilling the Pies: Stuffing too much filling can cause leaking. Stick to a generous spoonful!
2. Not Sealing Properly: Ensure edges are sealed to maintain the filling during baking.
3. Bypassing Egg Wash: This step is crucial for achieving that gorgeous golden crust.

Storing Tips For Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies

Store leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

In summary, creating Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies is a delightful way to explore flavors while enjoying a touch of culinary tradition. They’re simple to prepare and make fantastic leftovers, so give this recipe a try! Be sure to share your results or feedback, and explore our blog for more delicious recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with mini pies?

Serving suggestions include side salads, soups, or even dipping sauces like mustard or salsa.

Can I make mini pies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the pies and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when they are done?

Look for a golden brown color on top and a crisp texture. If unsure, use a food thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use other fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with vegetable fillings or different types of meat, too.

Are these suitable for children?

Yes! The flavors are mild and can be adjusted to suit children’s tastes, making them a kid-friendly dinner option.

Now go forth and enjoy your culinary adventure with these delectable Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies!

Savory Irish Beef & Sweet Potato Mini Pies

• Author: linda
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish
• Diet: Beef

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

These delightful mini pies combine tender ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, offering a cozy and flavorful twist on comfort food.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into circles, roughly 4-6 inches in diameter.
5. Place a generous spoonful of the beef and sweet potato mixture in the center of each pastry circle.
6. Fold the pastry over, sealing the edges using a fork or by crimping with your fingers.
7. Brush the tops of the mini pies with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let the mini pies cool slightly before serving.

---

Notes

Store leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pie
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: mini pies, comfort food, Irish recipes, beef, sweet potatoes