Mini Shepherd’s Pies

1. Unroll the refrigerated pie crust and, using a 4-inch round or cookie cutter, cut out 6 circles of dough. Press the circles of dough into the bottoms and up the sides of a greased, 6-cup muffin tin. Line muffin cups with parchment liners and fill each with a handful of pie weights or dried beans. Place the prepared muffin pan on the Baking/Drip Pan and place into the lower position. Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F, until edges and bottoms are golden. Set aside to cool.

2. Meanwhile, cook ground beef in a medium, nonstick skillet  over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes. Add carrot, celery, onion, garlic, thyme sprigs and bay leaf to the skillet, and continue to cook over medium heat until vegetables are sweated and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle flour over mixture and cook, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in stock, Worcestershire and tomato paste. Cook mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, until thick and bubbling, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Season with salt and white pepper. Stir in thawed peas and reserve.

3. Divide the meat mixture among the 6 baked crusts and top with ¼ cup of mashed potatoes. Return to the lower position and bake for 5 to 8 minutes at 350°F, until mashed potatoes are golden and filling is bubbling.