Mini Meat Pies
Mini meat pies are savory, handheld treats filled with seasoned ground beef and hard-boiled eggs, perfect for snacks, parties, or quick meals with hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine browned and drained ground beef, chopped hard-cooked eggs, sour cream, chopped parsley, and beef instant bouillon; mix well.
- Prepare the pie crust mix as directed on the package.
- Divide the prepared dough in half.
- On a floured surface, roll out half the dough into a 10 x 13-inch rectangle, 1/8-inch thick.
- Cut the rolled dough into 20 (2 1/2-inch) squares.
- Spoon a heaping teaspoonful of the meat mixture into the center of each square.
- Fold the squares as desired to enclose the filling.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and meat mixture.
- Place the assembled mini pies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flaky crust, avoid overworking the dough and ensure your ingredients are cold. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture enhances the flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can replace parsley for a different taste. Consider adding finely diced carrots or celery for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These mini meat pies make a great appetizer or snack for gatherings. Serve them with a side of tangy dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue. They pair well with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty filling. For an American twist, consider serving alongside Bert'S Chili for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mini meat pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Freezing is also an option; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mini Meat Pies contains roughly 93 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using a pie crust mix?
Absolutely! Making your own pie crust can elevate the flavor. Use a simple recipe with flour, butter, and water, and chill it before rolling out. Just ensure it's rolled to the same thickness as specified in the recipe for consistency.
How can I make these mini pies vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms. You can also add finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust seasoning to ensure it's well-balanced.
Can I prepare these mini pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the mini pies a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook them from frozen. This makes them a convenient option for parties.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).