Mini Vegan Cottage Pie Cupcakes

Step 1

PREP: If you haven’t already, make your mashed potatoes and set them aside to cool.

Step 2

MAKE THE GRAVY: Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl and put off to the side until you’re ready for it.

Step 3

MAKE THE FILLING: In a large saute pan, begin browning the beef(less) ground over medium-high heat for about five - seven minutes. When browned, add vegetables + gravy and mix. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. Then, remove from heat and let the filling cool for about 10-15 minutes, until it's not too hot to touch. While that cools, preheat your oven to 400F.

Step 4

ASSEMBLE THE CUPCAKES: Fill a non-stick muffin tin about ¾ full with the mashed potatoes. Use the back of a spoon to press the mashed potatoes gently but firmly to create a divot in the middle. Place a 1-2Tablespoons of the filling in the divot. Press down lightly with the back of the spoon so it’s evenly spread inside the muffin but not spilling out onto the tin. Finally, pipe (or spoon) the mashed potato “lid” onto your cupcakes. You want your lid to rest on the inside of the potato wall and not sticking to the muffin tin itself.

Step 5

BAKE: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and cook for 35-40 minutes (until tops are nicely browned and see you see a good crust formed on the side). Let them cool no less than 30 minutes before removing from the muffin tins and serving warm!

Step 6

STORAGE + REHEATING: These savory cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Reheat on a baking sheet at 375 until warmed through.