Description
These shepherd’s pie stuffed baked potatoes transform the classic comfort dish into a hearty and satisfying dinner. Fluffy baked potatoes are loaded with savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and topped with melted cheddar cheese for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 baking potatoes, scrubbed clean
Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ 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)
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ 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 Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the 4 scrubbed baking potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork. Alternatively, microwave the potatoes for about 10 minutes, rotating them halfway through cooking.
- Cook Filling: While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, ½ cup chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Stir in 6 oz. tomato paste, ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1 ½ cups beef broth into the browned beef mixture. Add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven when done. Cut a slit lengthwise down each potato, then another perpendicular cut to form an “X.” Gently squeeze the sides of the potato to open up the center, and place the potatoes in a glass baking dish.
- Fill and Top: Spoon the beef and vegetable filling generously into the opened potatoes. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the filled potatoes to the 400°F oven for about 5 minutes, or place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use the microwave to cook potatoes before stuffing.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a variation.
- Use any combination of your favorite mixed vegetables or fresh veggies if preferred.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete meal.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated and used as a topping for other dishes or sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
