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Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes combine two beloved comfort foods into one hearty dish. Featuring a baked potato stuffed with a savory meat filling, tender vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, this dish is easy, customizable, and budget-friendly. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, and you can even make it gluten-free or vegetarian depending on your preferences.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Baked Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt

For the Shepherd’s Pie Filling:

1 pound ground beef or lamb
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¾ cup frozen peas

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

½ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes, prick each one a few times with a fork, and rub with olive oil and salt. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Make the Shepherd’s Pie Filling:
While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease, if necessary. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.
Make the Mashed Potato Topping:
Once the potatoes are baked, slice off the top third of each potato and scoop out most of the fluffy interior into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer inside the skin. Mash the potato with milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheese if desired.
Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
Spoon the Shepherd’s Pie filling into each hollowed-out baked potato, then top with mashed potatoes. Optionally, sprinkle with extra cheese.
Bake and Serve:
Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at 400°F until the tops are lightly golden. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 750mg
Potassium: 461mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 5g

This dish is a delicious, hearty twist on classic Shepherd’s Pie with the added comfort of a baked potato. Perfect for a cozy meal!

The Perfect Baked Potato: A Soft and Fluffy Base

At the heart of this dish lies the baked potato, which serves as the perfect base for the Shepherd’s Pie filling. Russet potatoes are ideal because of their fluffy texture when baked. When you bake them until fork-tender and then scoop out most of the interior, you leave a thin layer inside that provides structure while allowing the filling and mashed potato topping to shine. The olive oil and salt coating ensures a crispy skin, adding texture and flavor to complement the creamy filling. Baking the potatoes first is essential to achieving that delicious, soft interior and crispy skin.

The Shepherd’s Pie Filling: Hearty and Flavorful

The Shepherd’s Pie filling is what brings all the flavors together. Ground beef or lamb is browned in olive oil and mixed with diced onions, carrots, and garlic, which form the savory base of the dish. These vegetables add sweetness and depth, making the filling rich in flavor while contributing texture and nutrients.

The addition of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary gives the mixture that classic Shepherd’s Pie flavor profile—earthy, savory, and slightly tangy. The beef broth enhances the richness of the filling, while simmering it allows the flavors to meld together and thicken into a hearty mixture. The peas added towards the end of cooking bring a burst of sweetness and color to the dish, balancing out the savory notes of the meat and vegetables.

For those who prefer a more decadent filling, ground lamb can be substituted for the beef, giving the dish a more distinct, gamey flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you could easily replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based protein for a similar texture and flavor.

The Mashed Potato Topping: Creamy and Dreamy

The mashed potato topping is the crowning glory of Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes. After baking the potatoes, the fluffy interiors are mashed with butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. The addition of shredded cheddar cheese gives the mashed potatoes a rich, cheesy flavor, though this is optional for those who prefer a lighter topping.

The mashed potatoes are spread generously over the Shepherd’s Pie filling, adding an indulgent layer that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat mixture. When baked, the mashed potatoes become slightly golden on top, with a creamy interior that melts into the savory filling beneath.

Assembly: Putting it All Together

Assembling these Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes is simple and fun. After slicing off the top third of each baked potato and scooping out most of the fluffy interior, you’re ready to add the savory filling. Spoon the Shepherd’s Pie mixture generously into each hollowed-out potato, then top with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. Optionally, sprinkle more shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Once assembled, bake the potatoes for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure that the tops of the mashed potatoes turn golden brown and the filling is piping hot. This final baking step allows everything to come together in a dish that’s visually appealing and delicious.

A Customizable Dish for Any Taste

One of the best things about Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes is how customizable they are. You can swap out ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have in your kitchen. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. You can also make this dish vegetarian by using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives in place of the ground beef or lamb.

Feel free to add different vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or parsnips for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create variations that suit your taste, such as adding a bit of paprika or cumin for extra warmth.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are not only great for weeknight dinners, but they’re also fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the filling and mashed potato topping ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the stuffed potatoes and bake. Leftovers also reheat beautifully, making this dish a great option for lunch the next day.

Serving Suggestions: A Hearty Meal in Itself

These Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are satisfying on their own, but you can always pair them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. The richness of the potatoes and filling is perfectly balanced by the freshness of a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. If you prefer a more filling meal, you could serve the potatoes with a side of garlic bread or roasted Brussels sprouts for a comforting and complete dinner.

Conclusion: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

In conclusion, Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With the hearty filling of ground beef or lamb, savory vegetables, and the creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a dish that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight meal or prepare it in advance for meal prepping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Customizable and easy to make, Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are an excellent way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional Shepherd’s Pie in a fun, new way.

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