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Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes: A Creative Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
If you love the classic, hearty goodness of Shepherd’s Pie but are looking for a creative twist, then Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are the perfect solution. This version of the beloved comfort food combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional shepherd’s pie and presents them in a fun, individual baked potato form. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, craving a cozy meal, or simply want something different from the usual, this recipe is sure to impress.
Each baked potato is filled with a delicious, flavorful mixture of seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. It’s a perfect balance of crispy skin, tender filling, and melted cheese—everything you love about Shepherd’s Pie, but in a new and exciting form!
Let’s dive into the recipe for Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes and explore why this dish will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meat and Vegetable Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb, for traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh if available)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 large russet potatoes, baked (these should be baked ahead of time or use pre-cooked potatoes)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Extra shredded cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by baking the potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the russet potatoes with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy, and a fork can easily pierce through the flesh. Remove the potatoes from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the potatoes are baking, you can prepare the savory filling. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the tomato paste, then add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes, just until they’re heated through. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Mashed Potato Topping
While the filling is cooking, prepare the mashed potato topping. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, and cheddar cheese (if using). Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes
Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a slit down the center of each potato and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the skin. Be gentle so the potato skins stay intact.
In a bowl, combine the scooped-out potato flesh with the mashed potatoes, mashing together until smooth. This mixture will form the creamy topping for the baked potatoes.
Now, it’s time to assemble! Spoon a generous amount of the meat and vegetable filling into each baked potato skin. Top each filled potato with the mashed potato mixture, spreading it evenly over the filling.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the assembled potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crispy. If you want extra cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of each potato during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve them hot and enjoy!
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