From humble, hearty beginnings to your dinner table. Try this tasty twist on the classic shepherd’s pie. You won’t regret it!
Originally made in the 18th century in the UK and Ireland for farmers and laborers, shepherd’s pie comes from humble beginnings. This casserole features minced meat (usually lamb or beef) and veggies with a topping of mashed potatoes, which is then baked to perfection. Combine shepherd’s pie with the baked potato, and you get a filling, drool-worthy dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. It’s a family-friendly treat that will leave everyone feeling warm in the belly and heart.
Ideal for a cozy night in, this shepherd’s pie baked potato recipe offers a great opportunity to use potatoes in a delicious way. These taters are topped with tender ground beef, glistening veggies, melted cheese, and a medley of yummy herbs. There’s a little something here for everyone, and the topping possibilities are plentiful. You can keep it classic or mix it up by incorporating more veggies or more meat, depending on your preference.
Are Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes Healthy?
This recipe has a good balance of protein from the beef and cheese plus fiber (which will keep you feeling full!) and potassium from the potatoes. That said, the beef, cheese, and butter do add saturated fat, so it’s best to consume these in moderation.
If you’d like to make the recipe gluten-free, consider using oat or cassava flour instead of all-purpose flour. One way to make this recipe a bit healthier is to be mindful of how much butter and salt you’re using in step one. You can also use a plant-based ground meat replacement instead of the beef. The cheese can also be plant-based or omitted altogether. For a meat-free version, you’ll also need to use vegetable stock and a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. In terms of toppings, Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute for sour cream because it’s lower in fat and calories.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes?
Baked sweet potatoes are a popular variation on baked potatoes, so why not try them in this shepherd’s pie baked potatoes recipe? This would be a great fusion of UK and southern US cultures, creating a whole new dimension of flavor. If you’re a fan of salty-sweet combinations like salted caramel or dipping French fries in a milkshake, this could become your new favorite dish! The starchy sweetness would pair very well with the savory meat and melty cheddar. If you’re making this dish for a party, why not prepare both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes?
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The mixture of meat and vegetables can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s best to bake the potatoes fresh before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Some of the most classic toppings for baked potatoes are sour cream, chives, or extra cheese. Some people also enjoy bacon bits for an extra level of meat.
To try something new, I suggest getting creative and topping your taters with coleslaw or avocado.
I recommend pairing this dish with fresh veggies like Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Carrots or a German Cucumber Salad. Either of these will balance out the heartiness of the potatoes in a delightful way. For a dessert that keeps the pie party going, try Pecan Pie Paleo Cookies—another yummy spin on a classic favorite pie.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- Butter
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare potatoes for baking by rubbing with butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, wrapping in foil, and piercing with a fork.
- Bake the potatoes on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, or until tender.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, carrots, and garlic with salt and pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in flour, then add tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and thyme. Simmer until thickened and carrots are tender.
- Add corn and peas to the mixture, simmer until heated through, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- To serve, open baked potatoes, fill with meat mixture, and top with shredded cheese.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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