If you’re a fan of both baked potatoes and Shepherd’s Pie, why not combine the two into one comforting and delicious dish? This Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the hearty, savory filling of a traditional Shepherd’s Pie nestled inside a fluffy, buttery baked potato. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes (perfect for baking, with a sturdy skin and fluffy interior)
- Ground Chuck:
- 1 lb of ground chuck (or ground beef if you prefer)
- Canned Goods:
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can of corn (drained)
- Dairy:
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (for an extra creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or another Cajun seasoning for a bit of a kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic Parmesan dry seasoning
- Seasoning Blend:
- 1/2 cup of seasoning blend (a mix of chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery, typically found in the frozen food section or make your own)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. You can also rub the potatoes with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt for extra crispy skins.
- Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Ground Chuck Filling:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground chuck and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the seasoning blend (onions, bell peppers, and celery). Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the garlic Parmesan dry seasoning, salt, pepper, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.
- Next, add the can of cream of mushroom soup and drained corn. Stir until well combined and heated through. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Potatoes for Stuffing:
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully cut them in half lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of the potatoes, leaving a thin layer of potato around the edges to create a sturdy shell. Place the scooped potato in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the butter and heavy whipping cream to the bowl with the scooped potato. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if it isn’t already on.
- Fill each potato shell with a generous amount of the ground chuck mixture.
- Top the filling with a dollop of the mashed potato mixture, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle each stuffed potato with shredded cheese.
- Bake and Serve:
- Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- For a garnish, sprinkle a little extra Slap Ya Mama seasoning or some fresh chopped parsley over the top of each potato.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Satisfying: This dish brings together the hearty, savory flavors of Shepherd’s Pie with the comfort of a baked potato, making it an ideal meal for cold evenings or when you need some comfort food.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap out the ground chuck for ground turkey or chicken, use different vegetables, or add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive presentation, this recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require much hands-on time, especially if you use a pre-made seasoning blend.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These baked potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their large size and fluffy texture, but you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. The Slap Ya Mama seasoning adds a nice kick, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
- Add a Veggie Boost: To make this dish even more nutritious, you can add extra vegetables to the filling, such as peas, carrots, or green beans.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes offer a creative twist on two classic comfort foods. Combining the flavors of a hearty shepherd’s pie with the simplicity and satisfaction of a baked potato, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a new dinner idea or a comforting meal to enjoy on a cozy evening, these baked potatoes deliver on both flavor and convenience. Enjoy!
