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Cozy Personal Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for One Easy Perfect Dinner

personal shepherd’s pie recipe for one - featured image

A comforting and easy shepherd’s pie recipe tailored for one, featuring savory ground beef, sweet veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes topped golden in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz (115 g) lean ground beef (or ground lamb for a traditional twist)
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) diced carrots
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) frozen peas (or fresh if in season)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) beef broth or stock
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh
  • 1 medium russet potato (about 6 oz / 170 g), peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk or cream
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the russet potato into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place them in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 12–15 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot or a mixing bowl. Add the butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside, keeping the mash warm.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until the onions soften and the carrots start to tenderize. Add the peas last, cooking for 2 more minutes.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Spoon the meat and vegetable filling into your ramekin or baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula or fork. Drag a fork lightly over the top to create texture.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the ramekin on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the potato topping turns golden and starts to bubble.
  8. Let the shepherd’s pie cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If mash feels dry, add an extra splash of milk before baking. Cover with foil if the top browns too fast. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce and broth labels. Variations include vegetarian swaps, seasonal veggies, low-carb mashed cauliflower topping, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, personal shepherd's pie, comfort food, solo dinner, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, mashed potatoes, cozy meal