Print

Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato Recipe

4.8 from 97 reviews

This Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato recipe combines the comforting flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie with the hearty satisfaction of a baked potato. Loaded with a savory ground beef or lamb filling simmered with vegetables and herbs, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese, this dish makes for a delicious and filling meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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 ground 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 & black pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup frozen peas

For the Mashed Potato Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare the potatoes for baking.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, pat them dry, and prick each several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
  3. Season Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, then place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
  4. Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes or until they are fork-tender, indicating they are fully cooked.
  5. Cook Filling Base: While the potatoes bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Brown Meat: Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  7. Add Vegetables: Stir in diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
  8. Add Flavorings: Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  9. Simmer Filling: Pour in the beef broth and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  10. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and remove the skillet from heat to keep them tender.
  11. Slice Potatoes: Once baked, carefully slice off the top third of each potato to create a hollow for the filling.
  12. Scoop Out Potato: Scoop out most of the potato flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer inside the skin to maintain structure.
  13. Mash Potato: Mash the scooped-out potato with milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  14. Add Cheese to Mash: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using for added richness and flavor.
  15. Fill Potatoes: Spoon the savory shepherd’s pie meat and vegetable filling evenly into each hollowed-out potato shell.
  16. Top with Mash: Add a generous scoop of the creamy mashed potatoes on top of the filling inside each potato.
  17. Add Extra Cheese: Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a golden finish.
  18. Bake Again: Place the stuffed potatoes back onto the baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and heated through.
  19. Serve: Serve the stuffed baked potatoes warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.

Notes

  • Use russet potatoes as they have a fluffy texture perfect for stuffing and mashing.
  • You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef if preferred for a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, as broth and Worcestershire sauce can add sodium.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils and vegetable broth.
  • Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat well before filling.
  • Adding cheese is optional but adds a deliciously creamy and melty texture on top.
  • Make sure to leave a thin layer of potato inside the skin to keep the potato shells sturdy when stuffed.

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Baked Potato, Ground Beef, Ground Lamb, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Savory Potato, Classic Shepherd’s Pie, Stuffed Potato