Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato – A Cozy, Fully-Loaded Comfort Meal

 

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of two classics — baked potatoes and shepherd’s pie — you’re in for a treat! These Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, filled with savory ground meat, vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese. It’s a complete, satisfying meal packed into one loaded potato!

 Ingredients

  For the baked potatoes:

• 4 large Russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

 For the meat filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

 For the mashed potato topping:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or leftover)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

 Instructions

1. Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Scrub the potatoes well and pat them dry.
• Poke a few holes into each one using a fork.
• Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place directly on the oven rack.
• Bake for 50–60 minutes until the skins are crisp and the inside is soft when pierced with a knife.

2. Prepare the Shepherd’s Pie Filling

While the potatoes are baking:

• In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in a little oil until translucent.
• Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat.
• Stir in the carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in the broth and let simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

3. Make the Mashed Potato Topping

In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with butter, milk, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until creamy. If using leftovers, just warm them up and mix in the ingredients.

4. Assemble the Baked Potatoes

• Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly.
• Slice the top lengthwise and gently squeeze the ends to open them.
• Scoop out some of the flesh to create space (you can mix this into the mashed potato topping!).
• Fill the hollow with a generous spoonful of meat filling.
• Top with a scoop of cheesy mashed potatoes.
• Sprinkle with more cheese if desired.

5. Broil for a Golden Finish

• Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.

Serving Ideas

Serve hot with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or a bowl of soup for a full meal. These are also great as meal-prep items or for impressing guests with something hearty and homey.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the meat filling and mashed potatoes a day in advance to save time.
• Extra Flavor: Add a touch of grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary on top before serving.