Mini chilli beef pies

Mini chilli beef pies

These Mini Chilli Beef Pies are a delightful combination of spicy, savory beef filling nestled in crispy shortcrust pastry, topped with creamy chive mashed potatoes. Perfect for a fun appetizer or a light meal, they offer an exciting twist on traditional pies.

Beef

Prep Time

25 min

Cook Time

35 min

Servings

12

Mini pies have long been a popular comfort food, loved for their convenience and comforting flavors. This recipe combines the warmth of chili-spiced beef with the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes, making it perfect for sharing at casual gatherings or family dinners. The use of kidney beans adds both texture and nutrition, balancing out the rich meat. The shortcrust pastry ensures a crisp, buttery base that contrasts wonderfully with the tender filling and smooth topping. This dish is a playful take on classic beef pies, elevating them with a spicy kick and a luscious potato topping ruffled to add texture. Serve these mini pies alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with a cool, tangy yogurt dip to offset the chili heat, or a light, fruity red wine to complement the spices.

Ingredients

  • 450 g Ready rolled shortcrust pastry
  • 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil
  • 1 small Onion
  • 2 tsp Hot Chilli Powder
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 250 g Minced Beef
  • 85 g Tomato Puree
  • 150 ml Beef Stock
  • Pinch Ground Cinnamon
  • 200 g Kidney Beans
  • 1 large Potatoes
  • 3 tablespoon Sour Cream
  • 2 tablespoon Chopped Chive

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by warming the sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently sauté the finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing a sweet aroma. Sprinkle in the hot chilli powder and ground cumin, frying for an additional minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor. Next, add the minced beef to the pan. Stir and break it apart, allowing it to brown evenly for several minutes. Stir in the rich tomato purée, beef stock, and a pinch of ground cinnamon, which adds a subtle warmth to the chili. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and most of the liquid evaporates, leaving a thick, hearty filling. About 5 minutes before the end of cooking, fold in the kidney beans to warm through without losing their shape. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then set aside and allow the mixture to cool. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6). Using a 7cm pastry cutter, cut out 12 neat circles from the ready-rolled shortcrust pastry. Gently press each circle into the wells of a 12-hole mini muffin tray, making sure to create an even pastry base and sides. Prick the base of each pastry case lightly with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Bake the cases for 10 minutes until the pastry begins to set and turns a pale golden hue. Carefully remove them from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat this process with any remaining pastry. Step 3: While the pastry cases cool, cook the potato in boiling water until tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 15 minutes. Drain well and mash the potato until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the sour cream for creamy richness, season lightly with salt and pepper, and fold through the chopped chives for a fresh, herbaceous note. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the chilli beef mixture into each pastry case, then top each with a teaspoon of the chive mashed potato. Use a fork to ruffle the surface of the mashed potato, adding a textured finish that browns beautifully in the oven. Return the pies to the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, spicy flavors! Tip: For an even crisper base, consider blind baking the pastry cases by lining them with parchment paper and weights (or dried beans) before the initial bake. This helps prevent sogginess when filling them later. Additionally, prepping the filling a day ahead improves the flavors as they meld overnight.

Quick Info

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
12