Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes is a delightful twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie. Combining the comfort of baked potatoes with the savory, hearty filling of shepherd’s pie, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Rub each potato with a bit of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Meat:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings:
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute.
- Add Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture is thickened. Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
- Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skin. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl and mash it with a fork.
- Fill the Potatoes:
- Spoon the meat and vegetable filling into each potato skin, pressing it down slightly to make room for the topping.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes:
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture over the filling, spreading it evenly and making sure it covers the filling completely. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top, if desired.
- Bake:
- Place the filled potatoes back on the baking sheet and return to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve:
- Remove the Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These potatoes are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
Tips for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they have a sturdy skin and a fluffy interior, perfect for holding the filling.
- Make Ahead: The meat filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just reheat before filling the potatoes.
- Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as corn or green beans, to suit your taste.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Use lentils or a meat substitute instead of ground beef or lamb for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Topping: Add more cheese to the mashed potato topping or sprinkle some on top before the final bake for an extra cheesy crust.
- Spicy: Add a bit of chili powder or hot sauce to the meat filling for a spicy kick.
Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining the crispy, golden skin of baked potatoes with a savory, hearty filling and a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this comforting, satisfying meal!
