Loaded Baked Potatoes with Shepherd’s Pie Filling take the classic comfort of shepherd’s pie and combine it with the heartiness of a baked potato for a cozy, indulgent dish. The crispy potato skin holds a hearty, savory filling of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and rich gravy, topped with mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings for the perfect bite.
I first made these when I was craving shepherd’s pie but wanted a fun twist. Baking the potatoes to a crisp perfection and then loading them up with the flavorful filling created a satisfying, all-in-one meal. The combination of seasoned beef, veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheese made every bite deliciously comforting and hearty.
What’s great about Loaded Baked Potatoes with Shepherd’s Pie Filling is how customizable they are. You can use ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor, swap in different vegetables, or even top with sour cream, green onions, or crispy beef bacon for extra richness. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or as a fun, filling snack, these potatoes are sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Cozy family dinners
- Comfort food cravings
- Weeknight meals
- Meal prepping
- Potato lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Loaded Baked Potatoes with Shepherd’s Pie Filling will be your new favorite comfort meal:
- Two Classics in One: Combines the best of baked potatoes and shepherd’s pie for a hearty, satisfying dish.
- Crispy and Creamy: The crispy baked potato skin contrasts perfectly with the creamy, savory filling.
- Rich and Flavorful Filling: A well-seasoned meat and veggie mixture packed with depth and warmth.
- Golden Cheesy Topping: Bubbly melted cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust the filling with your favorite meat, veggies, or cheese.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make the filling ahead of time for quick and easy assembly.
- Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for next-day lunches.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A guaranteed hit with family and guests alike.
- Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and simply reheat when ready to serve.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Baked Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
The Shepherd’s Pie Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Russet Potatoes: Their fluffy texture and sturdy skin make them perfect for stuffing.
- Ground Beef or Lamb: Adds richness and depth to the filling.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory umami flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, golden topping.
- Fresh Herbs: Brighten up the dish with a pop of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Baked Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Season and Bake: Rub each potato with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender.
Make the Shepherd’s Pie Filling:
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add Flavor: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Scoop and Mash: Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a slit in the top and carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh into a bowl.
- Mash with Butter and Milk: Add butter, milk, salt, and garlic powder to the potato flesh. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Fill the Potatoes: Spoon the shepherd’s pie filling into the hollowed-out baked potatoes.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes over the filling, creating a fluffy layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake and Serve:
- Broil to Perfection: Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Loaded Baked Potatoes with Shepherd’s Pie Filling:
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Drizzled with Gravy: Add extra richness with a drizzle of beef gravy.
- With a Dollop of Sour Cream: A tangy contrast to the rich filling.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Store in the fridge and reheat for a quick lunch.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- With Hot Sauce: Spice things up with a dash of hot sauce.
- For a Cozy Dinner: Perfect for a comforting night in.
- With Steamed Veggies: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Topped with Crispy Beef Bacon: Add crispy beef bacon bits for extra crunch.
- As a Party Appetizer: Make smaller versions with mini potatoes for a fun appetizer.
Additional Tips
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor.
- Extra Cheese: Add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- Crispier Potatoes: For extra crispy skins, bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack without foil.
- Thicker Filling: If the filling is too runny, simmer it for a bit longer to allow it to thicken up.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with more Worcestershire sauce or thyme for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Mix cheese into the mashed potatoes for an extra cheesy filling.
- Sweet Potato Base: Use baked sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a twist.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add taco seasoning to the filling and top with salsa and sour cream.
- Add Beef Bacon: Sprinkle cooked beef bacon bits on top for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or jalapeños to the filling for heat.
- Chicken Shepherd’s Pie: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter filling.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For baking the potatoes.
- Skillet: For preparing the shepherd’s pie filling.
- Potato Scoop or Spoon: To scoop out the potato flesh for stuffing.
- Oven Mitts: For handling the hot potatoes.
FAQ Section
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used for convenience, but homemade mashed potatoes offer a better texture. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and bake the potatoes ahead of time, then assemble and bake the potatoes when ready to serve. - Can I freeze these potatoes?
Yes, freeze the assembled potatoes before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to serve. - Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, lamb, or even a meat substitute will work well in this recipe. - Can I make these without cheese?
Absolutely! You can skip the cheese and still have a delicious meal. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I skip the beef broth?
Yes, use water or vegetable broth as a substitute. - Can I use a different vegetable mix?
Yes, use any combination of vegetables you prefer, such as peas, carrots, and corn. - Can I use mashed sweet potatoes?
Yes, mashed sweet potatoes can be used for a unique variation. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients for larger servings, just be sure to use a bigger baking dish.
Conclusion
Loaded Baked Potatoes with Shepherd’s Pie Filling are a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds—baked potatoes loaded with savory, flavorful shepherd’s pie filling. Fluffy baked potatoes are topped with a rich ground beef and vegetable filling, topped off with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
This recipe is easy to customize—add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, top with a bit of gravy, or add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Serve these loaded potatoes as a filling main course or as a fun twist on classic shepherd’s pie.
I can’t wait to see how your Loaded Baked Potatoes with Shepherd’s Pie Filling turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!