These Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are a cozy meal that brings comfort to your table! They have creamy mashed potatoes loaded with ground meat and veggies right in the middle.
What’s not to love about fluffy potatoes topped with a tasty meat filling? I like to enjoy mine with a sprinkle of cheese on top—because cheese makes everything better, right? 🧀
Ingredients & Substitutions
Baking Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my favorite for baking. They have a fluffy texture that’s perfect for this dish. If you need a quicker option, you could use smaller Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a creamier consistency.
Ground Beef or Lamb: Ground beef is common, but if you’re looking for a leaner option or want to go lighter, ground turkey also works well. For a vegetarian take, try lentils or a mix of beans instead!
Onion and Carrot: These add wonderful flavor and texture to the filling. If you don’t have fresh onion, onion powder can be a quick substitute. For carrots, sweet bell peppers are a tasty alternative.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but I love a blend! Mozzarella adds a lovely stretch. For lactose-free diets, look for vegan cheese or simply omit it for a good flavor still.
How Do You Get Perfectly Baked Potatoes?
The key to great baked potatoes is all about preparation. Scrubbing them well removes any dirt or debris. Pricking them prevents steam from building up, which can make them burst.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash potatoes thoroughly, prick several times with a fork.
- Rub with olive oil and sprinkle salt for flavor and texture.
- Bake directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced.
Letting them cool a bit before handling makes scooping them out easier. Enjoy the fluffy flesh with your filling!
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large baking potatoes (such as Russet)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 60 minutes for baking the potatoes. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes total before you enjoy your delicious Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
First off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, wash the baking potatoes thoroughly and prick them all over with a fork to let steam escape. Then, rub them with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt on top for flavor. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and let them bake for about 45-60 minutes, until they’re soft when pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the Filling:
While your potatoes are baking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced carrot. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s nice and fragrant.
3. Add the Meat:
Next, add your ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off!
4. Mix in the Flavors:
Now it’s time to add the yummy flavors! Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, along with some salt and pepper. Let this mixture cook for about 2 minutes so all those flavors can mingle and blend together.
5. Simmer the Mixture:
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens a bit. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in now and let them cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat when done.
6. Assemble the Potatoes:
Once your potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh into a bowl, leaving just enough to keep the skin sturdy.
7. Fill and Top the Potatoes:
Now, fill each potato shell generously with the meat and vegetable mixture, mounding it up a bit. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of each filled potato.
8. Bake Again:
Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven, but this time set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy this comforting twist on classic shepherd’s pie!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give your Shepherd’s Pie a slightly different flavor profile and added sweetness. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them while baking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef or lamb with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure to adjust seasoning as necessary for flavor!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative and will keep the recipe vegetarian. You can also use water with a bit of soy sauce or a bouillon cube for flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven again at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option.
