Shepherds Pie Stuffed Potatoes (Print Version)

Baked potatoes filled with seasoned beef and vegetables, topped with smooth mashed potatoes.

# Components:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 large russet potatoes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Filling

04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 large carrot, diced
08 - 1 stalk celery, diced
09 - 1 pound ground beef
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 cup frozen peas
12 - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
13 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Mashed Potato Topping

16 - Reserved potato flesh from baked potatoes
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
18 - ¼ cup milk
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Garnish

20 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub potatoes and prick several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and season with salt. Place directly on oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until tender.
02 - While potatoes bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add peas, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
05 - Once potatoes cool enough to handle, slice off the top third of each potato. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a ¼-inch border to maintain structure.
06 - Mash the scooped potato with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
07 - Fill each potato shell with the meat and vegetable mixture. Spoon or pipe mashed potato on top.
08 - Place stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the top is golden and piping hot.
09 - Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • All the beloved flavors of shepherd's pie in a fun, individual serving format
  • The baked potato shell adds extra texture and eliminates the need for a separate side dish
  • Make-ahead friendly – prepare components in advance and assemble when ready
  • Naturally gluten-free when using appropriate broth and Worcestershire sauce
  • Easily customizable with lamb instead of beef or vegetarian alternatives
  • Golden, broiled mashed potato topping creates an irresistible crispy crown
02 -
  • Rub potatoes with oil and salt before baking for extra-crispy, flavorful skins
  • Don't skip draining excess fat from the beef – it prevents the filling from becoming greasy
  • Let the filling simmer until slightly thickened so it doesn't make the potato shells soggy
  • Leave a ¼-inch border when scooping to ensure the shells hold their shape
  • Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for professional-looking mashed potato topping
  • Watch carefully during broiling – the tops can go from golden to burnt quickly
  • Let stuffed potatoes rest for 2–3 minutes after broiling for easier handling and serving
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