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Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes turn your favorite comfort food casserole upside down for a fun twist on a classic. A simple spud becomes a full meal when you fill your loaded baked potatoes with ground beef and veggies and top with melted cheese. This easy dinner idea will be a new (naturally gluten free) family favorite!
Originally published October 10, 2018. Updated with video and more helpful information.
Shepherd’s Pie Loaded Baked Potatoes
My kids are not picky eaters in the least, but my youngest would not eat a potato for years. That is until I took the filling from my favorite Shepherd’s Pie and, instead of doing all the work of peeling and boiling and mashing potatoes, I just turned it in a loaded baked potato.
This tasty loaded baked potato recipe is super popular for good reason. It takes classic comfort food and makes it even easier. Obviously, nobody can resist the hearty combination of meat and potatoes. Adding a savory sauce, veggies, and melted cheese just makes it even better. It’ll instantly be one of your favorite easy family dinners that kids and adults will enjoy!
While not a traditional Shepherd’s pie filling, this way of making it is so easy, so flavorful, and naturally gluten free.
They were a total family-pleasing dinner. And not just in my family. Check out what some of nearly 150,000 people who have pinned this recipe and over 7 million people who have seen the video on Facebook have to say:
This is such a perfect, comforting, cozy meal for fall and all of the colder months. I have always loved Shepherd’s Pie, but have never had it like this before. Such a great idea! – Bee
I love this recipe. I’ll be making it again tonight for I think the 5th time <3 – Andrea
Hi! This sounds perfectly yummy and quick (while fairly inexpensive) and exactly what this tired single mom is looking for! – Sue
And while it is one of our favorite easy dinner recipes for any night of the year, this loaded baked potato recipe is a perfect simpler way to enjoy a gluten free St. Patrick’s Day!
Ingredients
This entire recipe has only nine ingredients and just a few steps. No need to make a roux or slurry to thicken the gravy. And the filling can be made during the last twenty minutes or so that the baked potatoes are in the oven.
- Russet baking potatoes
- ground beef
- onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- beef broth
- frozen mixed vegetables
- cheddar cheese
Directions
- Bake the potatoes using one of the methods below.
- While they bake, brown ground beef in a skillet with onion, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Add vegetables and simmer till thickened.
- Once the potatoes are baked, cut through the potato skin and open them up with a fork. Place the potatoes in a cast iron skillet or glass pie plate and spoon the filling inside.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese
- Return to the oven until the cheese melts.
How to make baked potatoes
You actually have more options than just the oven for baking potatoes. However, your first step will be to wash them well and pierce them several times with a fork. Then follow any one of these methods listed here. You’ll know the potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork
Oven-baked potatoes:
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for about an hour, depending on the size.
Microwave baked potatoes:
- Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe dish and cook at 100% power for about 10 minutes (for four potatoes), rotating after 5 minutes. If you are cooking more or less potatoes, you will have to adjust the time.
Instant Pot baked potatoes:
- Place 1 cup of water and the steamer insert in your Instant Pot. Place potatoes on the steamer basket, put on and lock the lid in place, and set to Manual for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. 6-8 oz. potatoes will take about 12 minutes, 8-10 oz. potatoes will need about 15 minutes, and 10-12-oz. will be done in about 18 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes.
Slow cooker baked potatoes:
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and place in the crockpot, cooking on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Make it a meal
When most people think of a stuffed baked potato, they typically think of a side dish like Broccoli Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes to serve with a steak. However, this is a baked potato dinner, so you might just need a light veggie side dish like one of these:
- Salad with Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing or Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- Brown Buttered Carrots and Peas
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash
- Dijon Mustard Coleslaw with Apples
- Mashed Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Colcannon
Is a traditional Shepherd’s Pie made with beef or lamb?
Shepherd’s Pie typically has lamb and it usually has a more traditional brown gravy-type sauce. It is also pretty much always made with mashed potatoes.
This one uses ground beef and a more tomato-ey sauce. And, obviously, it uses baked taters instead of mashed.
Let’s just say this recipe is inspired by Shepherd’s Pie and leave it at that. It tastes good. Just go make it. Call it Baked Stuffed Potatoes with Ground Beef and Veggies if you like. It’s all good. I’m okay with that.
Gluten free ingredients
Potatoes don’t contain gluten, so it is easy to make gluten free stuffed baked potatoes as long as you choose the right gluten free ingredients for the filling.
For this recipe, you’ll need to pay particular attention to the labels on the following to look for gluten-containing ingredients:
- Beef broth – while many brands of stock or bone broth are gluten free, there are some that are not due to colors and flavors that are added.
- Worcestershire Sauce – in the United States, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce is gluten free. But in other countries or with other brands, do check the label or company website.
Variations on Shepherd’s Pie
- Shepherd’s Pie Loaded Fries
- Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie
- Mini Shepherd’s Pie in Ramekins
- Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Peppers
Shepherd’s Pie Loaded Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 baking potatoes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 garlic clove crushed or minced
- Salt and pepper
- ¾ cup tomato paste one 6-ounce can
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables thawed (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese about 4 oz.
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes in a 400°F oven for about an hour or until they can be pierced easily with a fork. Or you can cook in the microwave for about 10 minutes, rotating after five minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it is browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
- Add the vegetables, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cut a slit down the length of one potato then another one perpendicular to make an “x”. Squeeze the sides of the potato to open it up and place in a glass baking dish. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
- Spoon the filling into the potatoes and top with shredded cheese.
- Return to a 400°F oven for about 5 minutes, or place under the broiler for 2 or 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
More favorite easy dinners
Enjoy!
This was an awesome concept and my kiddos loved the baked potatoes, however, this tasted more like a sloppy joe mix than we were expecting. We will keep the idea of the Shepherd’s Pie baked potatoes but I will probably continue to make it like I normally would. Thanks for giving us something new to try!
Making it on Wednesday, soooooooooo excited! It looks very delicious!
I made this recipe tonight. I cut a small slice off eat potato and scooped out some of the potato. There was so much meat mixture left I used 3 large ramekins and put left over potato in bottom. Filled them with meat mixture and topped with cheese. Put all in oven to melt cheese. The boys will love the larger portions. Will definitely do this one again!
A-MAZ-ING!!!!!!! If you question whether to try this or not…you HAVE to try it! It is sooo good and perfect comfort food!
Sooo good!! I would just recommend “deconstructing” the potato a little more before adding the filling for more surface area to soak in and moisten the potato more. The filling alone is delicious!! Thank you for posting!
I made this for dinner, and I will definitely make it again! It was soooooo delicious, and loved by all.
Thank you for sharing 😁
Can you freeze these.?
Yes, you should be able to freeze these. I would wrap them tightly, then just allow them to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Made this dish and my family thought it was better that original Shepard’s pie! Definitely will be making again!
So thrilled to hear this!
Loved these! Great for the whole family and super easy!
My husband and I are staying in because of the terrible Coronavirus that’s unfolding (March 2020)
I have stocked up on ground beef and sweet potatoes so I’m going to try making this beef mixture and stuffing it into the sweet potatoes ? .
I’ll let you know how it turns out!
I love this recipe. I’ll be making it again tonight for I think the 5th time <3
Oh wow, thanks for telling me! So glad you enjoy it!
Wao!!
Looks yummy.
Can’t wait, baking it right now.
Thank you for such a nice info.
This is such a perfect, comforting, cozy meal for fall and all of the colder months. I have always loved Shepherd’s Pie, but have never had it like this before. Such a great idea!
Thank you, Bee!
I like the new spin on Sheppard’s Pie. Makes for a nice change even if no lamb was used. HA HA HA. How old is the kid? Young children do not like mushy food because their teeth are growing and they want something hard to bite into. Which is why he goes for the fries which are harder. Hey maybe you can serve this over fries for him? You can call it Sheppard’s Poutine (Canadian style) and voila you have a new recipe. Oui?
Shepherd’s Poutine should ABSOLUTELY be a thing! Love this, Cinnamon! 🙂
Awe thanks. Glad to oblige. We shall wait for you to come up with that recipe and comments and feedback from the brat. ?
I don’t see any instructions to take the potatoes out and mash with butter, cream cheese or seasoning. I think you need a seasoned “mashed potatoes’” before you but the filling and cheese. Just me.
Hi Susan,
I’m sorry for any confusion. This recipe isn’t for Shepherd’s Pie… it’s for Shepherd’s Pie loaded baked potatoes. You are correct that Shepherd’s Pie has mashed potatoes on the top, but this recipe is the reverse of that. You use baked potatoes and add Shepherd’s Pie toppings to it.
My whole family is obsessed!! They absolutely loved it. Will do again
I’m so happy to hear that the recipe was a hit with your family, Amy. Thank you for your comment!
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Although this looks pretty tasty, I’m fairly certain this is actually Cottage Pie. Shepherds Pie would be ground lamb.
Yes, you are probably right, but I have seen the beef version referred to as Shepherd’s Pie in many places. My family is not a fan of lamb but we like these flavors together, and beef is more readily available for some people, so I hope everyone can enjoy is, whatever they want to call it, or which meat they decide to use!
Hi! This sounds perfectly yummy and quick (while fairly inexpensive :)and exactly what this tired single mom is looking for! and thank you for including the change serving option!! I am trying this recipe this weekend! Enjoy your day 🙂
Thank you, Sue. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
After eight paragraphs, several pictures, and a video, you finally got around to showing the recipe. Protip: recipe first, fluff second.
Sorry you had to scroll for a second and a half to get your free recipe. Hope you enjoy it.
Shepards pie is made with lamb. Cottage pie is made with beef.
Thank you for that information, Sherry. 🙂
Yes , Sherry you are right this should be called cottage pie. I thought all foodies knows this
WE MADE THIS! Forgive my vernacular but it is stupid good! The meat sauce alone is ridiculous, together i fear it to be a potential felony. A must try for everyone. Thanks for this recipe!
Haha! Thank you for the smile, Jason. I’m glad you’re “so stuffed” and happy with the recipe!
Pretty sure the only way you could make Shepherd’s Pie better is to stuff it in a baked potato. I’m pretty in love right now! So glad you linked up with us at Idea Box. Make sure you join us again for this week’s party–starts tomorrow at 6am sharp! You’ll be one of my features for the week 🙂
clem
Loads of deliciousness !! Thank you for sharing with us @ #HomeMattersParty. We would love to have you again next week.
My daughter would love this- she loves stuffed potatoes!
Your book story is funny. One of my grandsons became ill after eating peanuts years ago and refuses to eat them from now on. So funny. Your recipes sounds fabulous! I’m so glad you share with us at Merry Monday.
These potatoes look so yummy and what an interesting take on Shepard’s Pie!
It’s like an inside out Shephers Pie! Love it!! I’m definitely putting this on the menu.
GREAT idea!
An incredible idea! I usually make meatloaf for St. Patrick’s Day but I might have to stray from that and try this recipe instead!
They look very Shepherd’s Pie to me! I love that they are in baked potato form. That is simply AWESOME!!
I wonder if I could get my picky child to eat these…They look great!
You can call these what ever you want—as long as I get one on my plate for dinner!
I’m glad Little dude ate these or he would have missed out on something delicious!
Wow!! Gorgeous photos Brianne!! I want to dive right in!
I love fancy baked potatoes! Looks great!
I love the idea of adding Shepard’s Pie in a baked potato! I’m totally trying these soon! I’m also going to look into that book too.
That sounds like a cute book, and one I need to read to my nephew for when I am trying to get him to eat something I make! In other news, these loaded ‘taters are genius! I always feel kind of lazy and don’t want to make Shepherd’s Pie for just the two of us, and this is a perfect solution!