Shepherd’s Pie For One

What Is Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie, a beloved casserole originating from the United Kingdom, is a quintessential comfort food traditionally made with lamb or mutton. This dish has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the late 1700s and early 1800s, where it emerged as an ingenious way to repurpose leftovers into a hearty meal. The classic structure of Shepherd’s Pie involves a base of ground meat, often lamb, cooked in a savory gravy with onions, garlic, and a mix of vegetables, all topped with a golden layer of mashed potatoes and baked to perfection.

A key distinction in this culinary classic is the type of meat used. While Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally prepared with lamb, its close relative, Cottage Pie, uses ground beef. Both versions share a similar comforting essence and are beloved for their rich flavors and satisfying textures.

The dish’s popularity extends beyond the UK, with variations like France’s Hachis Parmentier, which features meat and vegetables encased between two layers of mashed potatoes. Additionally, vegetarian adaptations of this dish, playfully known as “shepherdless” pie, omit meat entirely, offering a plant-based twist on the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

• Mashed Potatoes: The foundation of our mini Shepherd’s Pie, these mashed potatoes are creamy and flavorful. Utilize my single serving mashed potato recipe (provided below), or for ease, opt for leftover, instant, or ready-made mashed potatoes available at your local supermarket. For the Mashed Potatoes:
  • Yukon Gold Potato (1 medium): Chosen for its buttery flavor and excellent mashing quality. If you’ve got extra potatoes, consider using them in to make Garlic Mustard Mashed Potatoes.
  • Milk: Whole milk adds richness, though any fat content works. Higher fat equals creamier potatoes.
  • Garlic (1 clove): A must-add for a burst of flavor.
  • Butter and Salt: Essential for enhancing the taste.
  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its pure, unrefined quality and rich olive taste. A lighter olive oil can be substituted if desired.

• Vegetables: Our mix includes chopped onions, garlic, and 1/4 cup of vegetables. Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient and long-lasting option, perfect for single servings. Fresh vegetables can also be used, cut into small, evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking. Fresh veggies might need a minute or two extra to soften but no more, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Use any remaining vegetables in Minestrone Soup or Chicken Tortilla Soup.
• Worcestershire Sauce and Salt: These enhance the overall flavor. If watching sodium intake, consider omitting salt from the gravy and adjust to taste post-baking.
• Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth is recommended for better control over salt content, but regular beef or chicken broth are suitable alternatives. Consider using leftover broth in Ropa Vieja, Pepper Steak, Swedish Meatballs, Pot Roast, or Irish Stew.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Adds a cheesy touch when sprinkled on top.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small Shepherd’s Pie recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder

Recipe Variations

This individual Shepherd’s Pie is wonderfully adaptable:

• Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie: Add some grated cheese to the mashed potato topping.
• Spicy Version: Mix in some chili flakes with the meat for a kick.
• Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: Use lentils or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Herb Infused: Add rosemary or thyme to the meat for an aromatic touch.
• Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: For a sweeter topping, try mashed sweet potatoes.

How To Make Shepherd’s Pie

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this single serve Shepherd’s Pie recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

1. Make the mashed potatoes: Chop the potato into quarters and place them in a small 1-quart saucepan. Add the milk and garlic and stir. Add a little extra milk if the potatoes are not almost completely covered by the milk. Cook for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

2. Strain the potatoes with a fine-mesh strainer over a medium-sized bowl and reserve the milk mixture.

3. Return the potatoes to the pan and add 1/4-cup of the milk mixture. Mash the potatoes with an immersion blender or potato masher and add additional reserved milk as needed until the potatoes are thick and creamy. Stir in butter and salt and set aside.

4. Make the stew: In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and ground lamb and season with salt and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lamb is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and vegetables.

5. Add the broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

6. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Grease a 10-ounce ramekin with butter or cooking oil spray. Add the beef mixture to the ramekin.

7. Top with the mashed potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven and enjoy immediately.

Expert Tips

• Flexible Meat Options: While traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses ground lamb, feel free to substitute with ground beef for a different yet delicious twist.
• Cheese Topping Variations: Enhance the flavor by sprinkling a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese over the pie before baking. This adds a deliciously cheesy crust to the dish.
• Mashed Potato Convenience: Don’t hesitate to use leftover mashed potatoes or even instant mashed potatoes for convenience and time-saving without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoying your Shepherd’s Pie doesn’t have to be a plain affair. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• With a Salad: A fresh tomato salad makes a great, light accompaniment.
• Crusty Bread: Homemade French bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover gravy.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Add some sautéed green beans for a healthy side.
• A Glass of Red Wine: Complements the rich flavors of Shepherd’s Pie wonderfully.
• Dessert: Finish with a simple, single serving dessert like an apple crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

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