Description
This comforting Shepherd’s Pie for Two features tender ground beef and mixed vegetables simmered in a savory gravy and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfectly portioned, this cozy meal is quickly prepared using a microwave and broiler for a warm, satisfying dinner for two.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 medium Russet potatoes
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1–2 Tbsp. milk
- ½ tsp. salt (for potatoes)
Meat Filling
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ¾ tsp. salt, divided
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- ½ cup low-sodium beef stock
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Set your oven’s broiler to preheat. This will be used at the end to brown the mashed potato topping.
- Cook Potatoes: Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes. Test doneness by poking both sides with a fork; if tender, they are ready. If still firm, flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Let them cool enough to handle.
- Cook Meat Mixture: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Season with ½ tsp salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Make Gravy and Add Vegetables: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and stir to combine. Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, then stir in the thawed mixed vegetables. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture simmers and thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Cut the cooked potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh, leaving a ½-inch thick shell. Place the potato flesh in a bowl, add the butter, remaining ¼ tsp salt, and 1 tablespoon milk. Mash until smooth, adding more milk as needed for desired creaminess.
- Assemble Shepherd’s Pie: Fill each hollowed-out potato skin with the beef and vegetable filling. Then top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Broil until Golden: Arrange the filled potatoes on a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Broil for 3-4 minutes or until the mashed potato tops are browned and slightly crispy. Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- Microwaving the potatoes is a quick alternative to baking and yields soft potatoes ready for mashing.
- You can swap ground beef for ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the mashed potatoes for your preferred consistency.
- Use low-sodium beef stock to control salt levels in the dish.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh peas, carrots, and corn if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Ground Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Broiled Potato
