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Shepard’s Pie Baked Potato
**For the Mashed Potato Topping (optional but amazing):**
* 1 cup mashed potato (from the scooped-out centers)
* 2 tbsp butter
* ¼ cup milk or cream
* Salt to taste
* Shredded cheese (cheddar works great)
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### 👩🍳 Instructions
#### 1. **Bake the Potatoes**
* Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Scrub and dry potatoes, poke a few holes with a fork, rub with olive oil and salt.
* Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–60 minutes, until soft and fluffy inside. Let cool slightly.
#### 2. **Prepare the Meat Filling**
* In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or lamb until browned.
* Add onions and garlic, cook until soft (about 3 minutes).
* Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
* Add frozen veggies and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
* Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick and saucy.
#### 3. **Scoop and Stuff**
* Slice the top off each potato and gently scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell.
* Mix the scooped-out potato with butter, milk, and cheese for a creamy topping.
* Spoon the meat and veggie filling into each potato shell.
#### 4. **Top and Bake**
* Top each filled potato with a spoonful of mashed potato (or pipe it for a fancy finish).
* Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
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### 🍽️ How to Serve
Serve your Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes with:
* A green side salad
* Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
* A drizzle of gravy for extra comfort factor
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### 🔁 Variations & Tips
* **Make it vegetarian**: Swap ground meat for lentils or meatless crumbles.
* **Use sweet potatoes** for a rich, slightly sweet twist.
* **Add cheese inside** for a gooey surprise.
* **Make ahead**: Assemble the potatoes, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat.
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### 🧡 Final Bite
The Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato is comfort food reimagined—**a portable, cozy, and completely satisfying meal in one edible bowl.** It’s hearty enough for dinner, perfect for meal prep, and endlessly customizable to suit any taste.
Try it once, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making shepherd’s pie this way all along.
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Want a printable recipe card or step-by-step photo guide? Just let me know!
