A comforting mash-up of Shepherd's Pie and twice-baked potatoes topped with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheddar cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 45 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Serving Size 4servings
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
4largelarge baking potatoes (preferably Russets)Best for structure
2–3tablespoonsbutterFor mashing
2–4tablespoonsmilkFor mashing
For the Filling
1lbground beef or lamb (lean-to-medium fat)Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
1cupfrozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1largeonion, chopped
2clovesgarlic, minced
1cupbeef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1tablespoonWorcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
2cupsshredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)Substitute for Gruyère or mozzarella if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub the potatoes, prick them with a fork, and bake directly on the oven rack for 45–60 minutes until a skewer slides in easily.
While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up and cooking until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly and Baking
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Cut each in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin shell.
Mash the scooped potato with butter and milk until smooth and creamy; season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the meat-and-veg mixture evenly into the potato skins.
Pipe or spoon the mashed potato over the filling, smoothing it or creating peaks as desired. Sprinkle each with shredded cheddar.
Return the filled potatoes to the oven for 10–15 minutes, or under a broiler for 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden. Let rest a few minutes, then serve.
Notes
Best served with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. Can be made ahead of time and baked before serving. Leftovers are great for lunch and are easy to reheat.