Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato combines the comfort of traditional shepherd’s pie with the rustic charm of a baked potato. This dish features savory ground meat and vegetables nestled inside tender russet potatoes, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Wash and pierce the russet potatoes with a fork. Bake them directly on the oven rack for 45 minutes or until tender.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or lamb until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Prepare the mashed potatoes. If using store-bought, heat according to package instructions. If homemade, prepare them now.
7. Step 7: Once the potatoes are baked, cut each in half lengthwise and scoop out a small amount of the flesh to create a cavity.
8. Step 8: Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into each potato half. Top generously with the mashed potatoes.
9. Step 9: Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and crispy.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture while cooking.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef or lamb.
• Top with shredded cheese before the final bake for a cheesy crust.
• To save time, prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and reheat before assembling.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Russet potatoes work best due to their fluffy texture when baked, but Yukon Gold can be used for a creamier result. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t fluff up well for topping.

Is it necessary to scoop out some potato flesh before filling?

Scooping out a small amount creates space for the filling and prevents the dish from becoming too dense. It also helps the mashed potato topping bake evenly and get crispy.

Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, combining tender baked russet potatoes filled with savory ground beef or lamb, mixed vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Liquid

• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Topping

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the potatoes.
2. Bake Potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Cook Meat: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling lean.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir the frozen mixed vegetables into the cooked meat in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.
5. Add Broth: Pour the beef or vegetable broth into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.
6. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: If using store-bought mashed potatoes, heat them according to the package instructions until warm. If making homemade mashed potatoes, prepare them now, ensuring they are creamy and smooth.
7. Assemble: Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the potato flesh from the center to create a cavity, leaving enough potato around the edges to maintain structure.
8. Fill Potatoes: Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into each potato half. Generously top each filled potato with the prepared mashed potatoes, spreading it smoothly over the filling.
9. Bake Again: Place the filled potato halves on a baking sheet. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping turns golden and develops a crispy texture.
10. Serve: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes handling easier.

Notes

• You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or turkey depending on preference.
• Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables with your favorites like green beans or mushrooms.
• To make homemade mashed potatoes, boil peeled and chopped potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
• For a richer topping, mix some cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Baked Potato, Hearty Dinner, Comfort Food, Ground Beef, Ground Lamb