Muffin Tin Meat Pies

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Muffin Tin Meat Pies recipe! These adorable individual pies are packed with savory ground pork, aromatic onions, and fragrant sage, all encased in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying snack, these mini meat pies are sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a delicious and convenient meal option, these Muffin Tin Meat Pies are guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create these irresistible savory treats!

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 9-inch refrigerated pie crusts

Instructions

For the Pie Filling:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, grated onion, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Divide Filling: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing it down gently to form a compact layer.

For the Pie Crust:

1. Cut Pie Crusts: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and use a round cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut out 12 circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups.
2. Cover Filling: Place a pie crust circle over each muffin cup, gently pressing it down around the edges to seal the filling inside.
3. Ventilate: Use a sharp knife to make a small slit or vent in the center of each pie crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pie crusts are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
5. Cool: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the meat pies cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Meat Options: Feel free to substitute the ground pork with ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your meat pies. Thyme, rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning can all be delicious options.
• Vegetable Additions: Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the filling mixture for added texture and flavor.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can make a keto-friendly version of Muffin Tin Meat Pies:

• Crust Substitute: Replace the refrigerated pie crusts with a homemade keto-friendly crust made from almond flour, coconut flour, and butter.
• Breadcrumbs Substitute: Omit the breadcrumbs from the filling mixture or use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead.
• Sweetener Option: Add a pinch of keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to the filling mixture to enhance the flavor without adding carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these meat pies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the meat pies ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled pies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of ground pork? A: Absolutely! Ground beef works well as a substitute for ground pork in this recipe. You can also use a combination of ground meats for added flavor.

Q: Can I make mini vegetarian pies using this recipe? A: Yes, you can customize the filling to make vegetarian or vegan versions of these meat pies. Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils, beans, or diced vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Q: Can I serve these meat pies as appetizers? A: Yes, these mini meat pies are perfect for serving as appetizers at parties, gatherings, or potlucks. Simply cut them into smaller portions before serving.

Q: Can I add cheese to the filling mixture? A: Yes, you can add shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan to the filling mixture for added flavor and richness.

In conclusion, Muffin Tin Meat Pies are a delicious and convenient meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory filling, flaky crust, and irresistible aroma, these mini meat pies are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you enjoy them for dinner, lunch, or as a snack on the go, these savory treats are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of homemade meat pies with this delightful recipe!