I’ve had this recipe forever, though I think I’ve only made it a couple of times. Probably because we don’t often have leftover mashed potatoes and cooking potatoes to mash for the top of a casserole just seems like too much work. (Update: I now often make these with just cheese and skip the potatoes when I don’t have them because the filling is so good!)
Then I had the idea to make them in ramekins when I did have some leftover mashed potatoes recently, and I gotta tell you- I’ll be making these a lot more often. And making the filling with tomato sauce amps up the flavor, too- it’s different than other “pot pie” recipes I’ve tried. And in a good way.
What is it about ramekins that elevate a normal “casserole” to new heights? The presentation is SO much nicer than a spoonfull of glop, and they actually seem to taste better- I think because the topping doesn’t get lost in the filling during baking or serving.
Whatever the reason, I can see a lot of “ramekin meals” on the horizon, as this would be wonderful with leftover beef, pork, or sausage, too. I should probably serve my Individual Berry Crisps for dessert and make it a slam dunk.
Or do you think that’d be too much ramekin love?
–Jami
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Amateur Cook says
January 27 at 7:16 pmI’m not sure why it’s classed as a Shepherd’s pie as I haven’t seen much evidence of people herding chickens.
You mention “it’s different than other “pot pie” recipes” so I would call it Individual Chicken-Tomato Pot Pies.
Just wondering… ☀
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
January 29 at 5:45 amWell, I did do a search and it seems that the consensus is a pie with a mashed potato topping is Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage, but that’s not used much here in the Western U.S.).
I didn’t want to give the impression of a pot pie with a regular crust on it – besides, the term pot pie always reminds me of those disgusting frozen ones I grew up eating. 🙂
Though I love the image of herding chickens…which if course can sometime happen if they end up someplace they’re not supposed to be! 🙂
Thoughts for the day says
January 27 at 5:30 pmMight have to try that sometime. Looking for good recipes all the time so thank you for your list … keep sending them out.
Anonymous says
January 27 at 10:21 pmDown Under a shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, otherwise it is a Cottage Pie.
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
January 29 at 5:47 amYep, but people in my part of the world don’t know what a “cottage pie” is, but most think of Shepherd’s Pie as one with a potato topping. 🙂
[email protected] says
January 27 at 7:27 pmThis looks delicious! I’m not sure if the hubby has ever had shepherd’s pie, but I’d like to make it on this small scale!
Sakura says
January 26 at 11:28 pmWow, these look yummy! I think it sends them over the top because it’s all yours. No one else gets to eat your individual serving!!!!! Mine all Mine!!! I’ll have to put this on my menu plan next week. Thanks for the recipe.
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
January 29 at 5:40 amTotally laughed out loud, Sakura…maybe that’s my secret reason for liking them so much!