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Cozy Individual Shepherds Pie Ramekins

individual shepherds pie ramekins - featured image

This recipe creates warm, comforting individual shepherd’s pies baked in ramekins, perfect for solo dinners or small gatherings. It features a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a crispy golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 3 large potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and chopped
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or cream
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking tray for your ramekins.
  2. Peel and chop potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add ground meat to the skillet, crumble and cook until browned all over, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and broth. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until mixture thickens and veggies are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Drain potatoes once tender and return to pot. Add softened butter and milk. Mash until smooth but fluffy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or garlic powder.
  7. Spoon filling evenly into each ramekin, filling about 3/4 full. Top with a generous layer of mashed potatoes, smoothing with a fork or spatula. Create ridges or peaks on the potato surface for extra crispiness.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown and filling bubbles around edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before baking. You can assemble pies up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. For crispier tops, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking. Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat alternative and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, individual servings, ramekins, comfort food, lamb, beef, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, cozy meal