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Easy Shepherd's Pie With Ground Beef (Dinner for Two)
5 from 54 votes

Easy Shepherd's Pie With Ground Beef (Dinner for Two)

Easy Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef layers a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes bound by egg yolk and butter. The filling is thickened with flour and tomato-based sauce, then baked in a small dish for two servings. This version offers a balanced texture of tender beef mixture and a golden potato crust, suitable for an intimate dinner.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 2 to 3 servings
Calories: 438 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Special Equipment
  • 7x5-inch Baking Dish
Potato Topping
  • 1 russet potato chopped, large
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter 1 ounce
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • 1 egg large, yolk
Ground Beef Filling
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion diced (about 1/2 cup, medium
  • 1 carrot diced, medium
  • 1 garlic pressed or minced, clove
  • 1/8 teaspoon thyme dried
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 8g
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup or tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup peas frozen

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 7x5-inch baking dish. Set aside.
Start Your Potatoes
  1. Place chopped potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring potatoes to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain, cover, and set aside.
Make the Filling
  1. While your potatoes cook, in a medium skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until well-browned, breaking up the meat as you go. Drain fat and transfer hamburger to a plate. 
  2. Return the pan to the stove and heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and carrot and cook until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in flour and ketchup/tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in hamburger and peas. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smooth into an even layer, and set aside.
Finish Potatoes
  1. Use a fork or potato masher to mash potatoes until smooth. Add butter and stir until butter is completely incorporated. Repeat with the milk/cream. Salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the egg yolk and stir until well-combined. Spoon potatoes over your meat mixture and spread evenly over the top. If your dish is very full, place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips while it cooks.
  2. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the potatoes are lightly golden. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a large russet potato of about 12 ounces for the topping to yield preferred texture.
  • This recipe is sized for two servings; adjust ingredients proportionally for more servings.
  • Approximate nutrition is based on three servings; adjust calculations if dividing differently.
  • Ensure potatoes are drained and hot when mashing to achieve smooth texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 438kcal (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 to 3 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 438

% Daily Value*

Calories 438kcal 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.