Loaded Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Looking for a creative twist on traditional shepherd’s pie? These shepherd’s pie stuffed baked potatoes combine fluffy potatoes with savory meat filling for a complete meal that’s both comforting and impressive.

Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes Ingredients

For the perfect shepherd’s pie stuffed baked potatoes, gather these ingredients:

For the Baked Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Shepherd’s Pie Filling:

• 1 pound ground lamb (for traditional) or ground beef (for cottage pie)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced small
• 1 celery stalk, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Tools Used to Make Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Large skillet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Potato masher or fork
• Small saucepan
• Spoon for scooping out potato flesh

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes

1. Prepare the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, then pat them dry. Poke several holes in each potato with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place directly on the oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake the potatoes: Cook for 45-60 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the inside feels soft when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven but keep it on.
3. Make the filling: While potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Season the filling: Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Prepare the potatoes: Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border to maintain the structure. Place the scooped potato flesh in a bowl.
6. Make the topping: Add butter and warm milk to the potato flesh. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
7. Assemble: Place the potato skins on a baking sheet. Fill each with the shepherd’s pie mixture, then top with a generous dollop of the mashed potato mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
8. Final bake: Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden. Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes if you want extra crispy tops.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Variations of Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with a mixture of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based alternative that’s just as satisfying. You could also try using fresh vegetables for extra nutrients.
• Sweet Potato Option: Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a nutritional boost and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
• Lamb vs. Beef: Traditional shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb, while “cottage pie” is made with ground beef. Both work wonderfully in this recipe – choose based on your preference or what’s available.
• Loaded Topping: Add crispy bacon bits and green onions to the cheese topping for a loaded potato experience.
• Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño to the filling and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a southwestern-inspired version.

Serving Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes

These hearty stuffed potatoes make a complete meal on their own, but pair beautifully with simple side dishes. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.

For casual entertaining, arrange the stuffed potatoes on a large platter and let guests help themselves. Add a small bowl of extra grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives on the side for custom toppings.

These potatoes reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep. Simply store assembled but unbaked potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then bake when ready to serve. The filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead and stored separately.

If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potato skins soften instead of staying crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare all components separately up to 2 days ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving, adding 5-10 minutes to the final baking time if coming from the refrigerator.

What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie? Shepherd’s pie traditionally uses ground lamb (shepherds tend sheep), while cottage pie uses ground beef. Both versions work wonderfully in these stuffed potatoes.

Can I freeze these stuffed potatoes? Yes, these freeze well! Wrap individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.

How can I make this recipe healthier? Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb, increase the vegetables in the filling, and use Greek yogurt instead of butter in the potato topping.

What can I do with the scooped-out potato flesh? If you have extra potato flesh not used for topping, save it to make potato pancakes, add to soups for thickening, or make a quick potato salad for another meal.

Final Thoughts

These shepherd’s pie stuffed potatoes transform traditional comfort food into an impressive, portable meal. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish – your family will thank you!

More Recipes to Try!

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• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
• Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
• Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls
• Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe