While shepherd’s pie is a traditional dish for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s always fun to try out a spin on a classic. For our tablescape design this year, we emphasized that going simple and casual can set the stage for experiencing the most meaningful moments. So, with that in mind, we’re excited to share with you this easy handheld recipe: Halfway Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Phyllo Pockets.
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission (at no cost to you!) should you choose to make a purchase using our links. It’s okay – we love these products, and hope you will too!!
Halfway Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Phyllo Pockets
Originally crafted as a hearty meal that’s easy to customize, shepherd’s pie boasts warm, savory flavors that are equal parts filling and comforting. Our twist on this classic Irish-American dish holds those same must-have qualities yet in a unique and creative way. What’s the star ingredient for this halfway homemade recipe? Irresistibly buttery, enticingly flaky phyllo dough.
The Secret to Making This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Go halfway homemade. By opting for premade mashed potatoes and canned vegetables, we easily cut out an hour’s worth of work without sacrificing any flavor. For the mashed potatoes we went with a classic, buttery flavor, while for the vegetables, we went with canned carrots, peas and corn.
Not into those veggies? No worries. This dish tastes incredible with any vegetable choice, so long as it’s cooked. Other suggestions that would work well here are green beans or creamed corn for a little extra moisture.
What You Need to Make Shepherd’s Pie Phyllo Pockets
The Ingredients
The Cooking Equipment
You’ll need a large skillet and a baking sheet to make this simple recipe. We encourage you to choose cookware that elevates your style, provides functionality, and keeps your kitchen safe and toxin-free. Wondering how to check all those boxes?
Enter: Caraway Home Cookware and Bakeware.
We made the switch to Caraway in our own homes because of its ceramic, toxin-free material, but we fell in love with our cook and bakeware for its luxurious style and design. Plus, its non-stick surface allows for the easiest cleanup and for stress-free cooking and baking.
The Serveware and Dinnerware
This dish pairs perfectly with neutral serve- and dinnerware. Consider plating your Shepherd’s Pie Phyllo Pockets onto a serving tray or marble charcuterie board that marries intentional function with an easy, sophisticated style.
For dinnerware, we always recommend investing in quality pieces that work for any and all gatherings in your home. This means opting for neutral dinnerware pieces that bring a subtle luxury while still being casual enough to use day-to-day. Place each Shepherd’s Pie Phyllo Pocket on a dinnerplate for an understated yet stunning aesthetic.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Phyllo Pockets
To begin, allow your frozen phyllo dough to defrost for at least 30 minutes. Then, prep your premade ingredients: prepare the mashed potatoes according to package instructions and rinse and drain mixed vegetables.
Next, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until brown. Lower temperature to medium low and mix in canned vegetables, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Then remove mixture from heat and let cool for approximately 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Brush a layer of phyllo dough with butter, adding two more layers of buttered phyllo dough. Spoon approximately a ¼-½ cup scoop of mashed potatoes onto bottom of phyllo dough sheet, spreading out with your spoon, about 3 inches from the edge. Top potatoes with ½ c. of meat mixture.
Fold both side edges of phyllo dough inward, partially covering meat and potatoes. Then, fold the bottom edge of phyllo dough on top of meat and potatoes, partially covering the mixture. Brush butter along phyllo dough edges, and then fold burrito upward toward top edge of dough, forming a package-like pocket. Brush top of phyllo dough pocket with butter.
Repeat phyllo dough instructions for each phyllo pocket.
Place phyllo dough pockets into oven for 25-30 minutes, until phyllo dough becomes a light golden color. Let cool, and enjoy!
Halfway Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Phyllo Pockets
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 basting brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz. pea and carrots, canned (Rinse and drain.)
- 8 oz. corn, canned (Rinse and drain.)
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 pkg premade mashed potatoes
- 1 pkg phyllo dough, defrosted
- ½ c. butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Set out phyllo dough to defrost for approximately 30 minutes.
- Heat premade mashed potatoes with package instructions. Set aside and let cool.
- Set a skillet on medium high heat and add chopped onion into skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
- Lower temperature to medium low and mix in canned vegetables, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Then remove mixture from heat and let cool for approximately 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Brush a layer of phyllo dough with butter, adding two more layers of buttered phyllo dough. Spoon approximately a ¼-½ cup scoop of mashed potatoes onto bottom of phyllo dough sheet, spreading out with your spoon, about 3 inches from the edge. Top potatoes with ½ c. of meat mixture.
- Fold both side edges of phyllo dough inward, partially covering meat and potatoes. Then, fold the bottom edge of phyllo dough on top of meat and potatoes, partially covering the mixture. Brush butter along phyllo dough edges, and then fold burrito upward toward top edge of dough, forming a package-like pocket.
- Brush top of phyllo dough pocket with butter.
- Repeat phyllo dough instructions for each burrito.
- Place phyllo dough pockets into oven for approximately 25 minutes, let cool, and enjoy!
More St. Patrick’s Day Inspiration
Corned Beef and Swiss Panini Wraps
Easy Irish Coffee
Leave a Reply