Mini Shepherds Pie (Printable)
Individual servings of savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden and bubbly.
# Ingredient List:
→ Filling
01 - 1 lb ground beef or lamb
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1/2 cup frozen peas
06 - 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Mashed Potato Topping
13 - 1 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
14 - 3 tbsp butter
15 - 1/4 cup milk
16 - 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
17 - Salt and pepper to taste
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Place potatoes in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese if using. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Break up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
06 - Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
07 - Pour in broth and add peas. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
08 - Divide meat filling evenly among six lightly greased ramekins or muffin tin wells.
09 - Spoon or pipe mashed potatoes over each filling, spreading to cover completely.
10 - Place ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until tops are golden and filling bubbles at edges.
11 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Individual portions mean everyone gets their own crispy edged potato topping
- Perfect for make ahead entertaining since they reheat beautifully
02 -
- Grease your ramekins generously or the filling will stick stubbornly when serving
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet to catch any bubble-over mess in your oven
03 -
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for restaurant-style potato peaks
- Grate a little extra cheddar over the tops during the last 5 minutes of baking