Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes

### **Instructions**

1. **Prep the Baked Potatoes**:
– Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**.
– Scrub the potatoes clean and poke each one with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape.
– Rub each potato with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt.
– Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for **45-60 minutes**, or until tender.

2. **Prepare the Shepherd’s Pie Filling**:
– While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the **onion** and **garlic** until fragrant and softened, about **3-4 minutes**.
– Add the **ground beef or lamb** to the skillet. Cook until browned and drain any excess fat.
– Stir in **tomato paste**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **thyme**, and **beef broth**. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
– Add in the **frozen mixed vegetables** and stir to combine. Simmer for **5-7 minutes**, or until the mixture has thickened. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste.

3. **Prepare the Mashed Potatoes**:
– If you’re making your own mashed potatoes, heat them in a pot and stir in **butter** and **milk/cream** until they’re smooth, creamy, and easy to spread.

4. **Stuff the Baked Potatoes**:
– Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise and scoop out a bit of the center to make room for the filling. Be careful not to break through the skin.
– Mix the scooped potato with your Shepherd’s Pie mixture, or simply layer the meat and veggie mixture over the baked potato halves.

5. **Layer the Filling and Mashed Potatoes**:
– Top each potato half with a generous portion of the meat and veggie mixture.
– Spread a dollop of mashed potatoes over the top of each filled potato. Optionally, you can sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

6. **Bake for an Additional 20 Minutes**:
– Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for **20 minutes**, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

7. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Remove the Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

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## **Serving Suggestions**

These Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are hearty and filling on their own, but you can pair them with:
– A **simple green salad** for a lighter side.
– Garlic bread or crusty rolls for an extra comforting touch.
– Steamed green beans or asparagus for added veggies.

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## **Make It Your Own**

These baked potatoes are easily customizable! Here are some variations you can try:
– **Vegetarian Option**: Swap out the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a veggie blend for a plant-based twist.
– **Cheese Lover’s Dream**: Top with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda cheese for a gooey, melty finish.
– **Spicy Version**: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of spicy barbecue sauce to the filling mixture for a little extra heat.

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## **Why This Recipe Works**

Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are the perfect marriage of traditional comfort food and creative kitchen twists. They’re easy to make, allow for individual servings, and are versatile enough for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual weekend meals.

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## **Final Thoughts**

These **Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes** are a creative, cozy way to enjoy a family classic in a whole new way. With their savory meat and veggie filling, creamy mashed potato topping, and baked potato base, they’re the ultimate one-pot (or one-potato) comfort food.

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor. Trust us—you’ll fall in love with this twist on a timeless favorite! 🥔🥘✨