Go Back

Single Serving Shepherd's Pie

A comforting and hearty dish featuring a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a solo dinner or quick lunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 4 ounces chopped meat (beef or lamb) Cut into small pieces or shredded.
  • 2 strips bacon Optional.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced hard vegetables (e.g. onions, carrots, celery, bell pepper, string beans)
  • 1/2 cup frozen vegetables (e.g. peas, corn)
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup liquid (beef stock or 1/2 stock & 1/2 water or vegetable broth) Choose according to preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, etc. If using fresh herbs, use about 3 times as much.
  • 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground black pepper To taste.
Topping
  • 3/4 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 tablespoon butter For dotting on top.
  • 1-2 tablespoons grated or shredded hard cheese (e.g. Parmesan, romano, sharp cheddar) For sprinkling on top.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. If your meat is not leftover, cook it and set aside. If you're using bacon, cook it, then drain the fat and let it cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a pan, then add the fresh vegetables. Cook them for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp but starting to soften.
  2. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes to cook it through, avoiding a raw flour taste.
  3. Heat your broth in the microwave for about one minute and add it to the pan. Stir until the vegetables are coated in a thick sauce.
  4. Add the cooked meat, crumbled bacon (if used), and frozen vegetables. Cook on low-medium heat for a few minutes until everything is mixed and the frozen vegetables are warmed.
  5. Season with Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assembly
  1. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, making peaks with a fork so they brown nicely.
  2. Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with cheese and paprika.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning.
  2. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish is versatile; mix and match vegetables based on what you have. Adjust seasoning to your taste. Use leftover meat to save time.