Description
These Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes transform classic comfort food into a hearty and satisfying dinner. Fluffy baked potatoes are loaded with savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, making for an easy and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 baking potatoes, scrubbed clean
Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 garlic clove, crushed or minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 oz tomato paste (3/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz)
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the baking potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Alternatively, cook the potatoes in the microwave for 10 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Prepare the Filling: While the potatoes are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Potatoes for Stuffing: When the potatoes are done baking, make a slit down the length of each potato, then a perpendicular slit to create an “X.” Squeeze the sides gently to open the potato and place each in a glass baking dish.
- Stuff and Top: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the opened potatoes. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed potato.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the baking dish to the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Use any frozen mixed vegetables you have on hand; fresh vegetables can be steamed and added if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the filling.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used as a topping for rice or pasta.
- If baking potatoes in the microwave to save time, the oven time to melt the cheese remains necessary for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
