I don’t know about you but there’s something about eating with my hands that is so fun and satisfying. Something tells me our babies and toddlers would agree! Now cleaning up after them? Not so much. Now there are two components to these mini muffins, meatballs, whatever you want to call them. So let’s get to it!
Broccoli Mashed Potatoes
I admit. There are so many tips and tricks when it comes to making the fluffiest and creamiest mashed potatoes. I don’t know them nor will I ever go out of my way to try to master them (or will I?). Mashed potatoes aren’t something we eat a lot at our house because we much prefer roasted potato wedges. And now I made it green by adding broccoli so there’s that ;). All this to say, if you have a mashed potato recipe that you love, go with that! I do like to make the potatoes the night before so that it’s one less thing to do the day of. This would also be a delicious and easy way to repurpose any leftover mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Dietitian’s Tips
Steaming rather than boiling will help the vegetables retain their nutrients. This is the steamer basket that I adore. Easy to use, clean, and store. Make sure when you fill the pot with water that it doesn’t come above the basket!
Step by Step Instructions
You will have leftovers after topping the meatballs. Yay! More to enjoy throughout the week!
Meatballs
You can think of this individual shepherd’s pie as a meat muffin or a glorified meatball with all the flavors and components of a shepherd’s pie. This is a lightened-up version so it doesn’t taste as rich as what you might expect with the traditional version.
Ingredients
Beef. Can use other ground meat of choice. We absolutely adore Butcherbox! Vegetables. I like to use a frozen vegetable medley, but feel free to use fresh or whatever vegetables you have on hand. A note about peas and corn. They do get pretty soft upon cooking but if you’re feeling nervous, either give them a quick chop or substitute with other vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, etc.
Step by Step Instructions
- Divide mixture into a 12 cup muffin pan. I love using my silicone muffin pan. Makes cleanup a breeze! Be sure to not overwork the meat! You’ll end up with tough meatballs.
- Top with broccoli mashed potatoes.
How to Serve to Babies and Toddlers
Whether you’re currently doing baby led weaning or are ready to introduce more texture to your baby, these meatballs are the perfect way to serve beef, potatoes, and vegetables all-in-one. Hey! These are all the components for a well-balanced meal! As you see in the image, for babies you can serve 1/3-1/2 muffin. Be sure they’re big enough to grasp with their palm. You can add some extra broccoli mashed potatoes on the side with some fruit/vegetable. Don’t put too much food at once as this can be overwhelming to your baby. Here are several methods on cooking flavorful, appropriately textured vegetables. Using a crinkle cutter makes it easier for babies to grasp. As for the toddlers, it’s common for them to display some degree of food neophobia and fussy eating at this age. You’ll find many expert tips on how to navigate through different scenarios under Feeding Tips. If they are hesitant about mixed foods, serving individual components separately can help ease the anxiety. And always make sure there’s something on the plate that they do enjoy and feel safe around. Remember, food untouched is not wasted. Play the exposure game hard!
Other Baby-Friendly Meatballs
Turkey Beet MeatballsQuinoa and Mushroom Beef MeatballsAsian Turkey Rice MeatballsButternut squash beef meatballs
Did you make this baby and toddler-friendly Mini Shepherd’s Pie Muffins? Follow me on Instagram post a photo and tag me, post a photo on my Facebook page, or save it to Pinterest. I love to see what you’re making!
