Savory Shepherd's Pie Loaded Potato Skins
Transform traditional Shepherd's Pie into a fun and delicious appetizer with these Savory Shepherd's Pie Loaded Potato Skins. Crispy potato skins are generously filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes that are lightly browned for a perfect finish. Ideal for game day, parties, or family dinners, these potato skins provide a hearty and satisfying twist on a classic comfort dish that everyone will love sharing.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
4 (large, scrubbed clean)
whole milk
1/4-1/2 (cup)
butter
2 1/2 (tablespoons)
salt
2 (teaspoons, divided)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
onion
1/2 (medium, diced)
ground beef
8 (ounces)
flour
2 (tablespoons)
beef broth
1 (cup)
Worcestershire sauce
2 (teaspoons)
black pepper
3/4 (teaspoon)
frozen vegetables
1 1/2 (cups)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Shepherd's Pie Loaded Potato Skins?
They are a creative appetizer twist on the classic Shepherd's Pie, featuring crispy russet potato skins filled with seasoned ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean, as they have the starch content and skin thickness ideal for baking and stuffing.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
While the recipe specifies 8 ounces of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What vegetables are used in the Shepherd's Pie filling?
The filling uses 1.5 cups of frozen vegetables and half a medium diced onion to add flavor and texture to the beef mixture.
How is the beef filling thickened?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour combined with 1 cup of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to create a savory gravy for the meat.
What makes the mashed potato topping creamy?
The internal potato flesh is mashed with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole milk and 2.5 tablespoons of butter for a smooth, rich consistency.
How should I prepare the potatoes before stuffing?
You should bake the scrubbed russet potatoes until tender, scoop out the centers while leaving a sturdy shell, and then prepare the shells for the filling.
What seasoning is used in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of salt (divided) and 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper, along with Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, these potato skins are specifically listed as ideal for game day, parties, and family dinners because they are hearty and easy to share.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, although the recipe suggests 1.5 cups of frozen vegetables for convenience, you can use fresh peas, carrots, or corn as long as they are cooked through.
How do you finish the potato skins?
After filling the skins with meat and topping them with mashed potatoes, they are baked until the tops are lightly browned for a perfect finish.
What oil is recommended for the filling?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used, typically for sautéing the onion and browning the ground beef.
Does this recipe contain Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce are included to enhance the savory depth of the beef filling.
Are these potato skins gluten-free?
No, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of flour as a thickener, which contains gluten. You would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
How many potato skins does this make?
Using 4 large potatoes results in 8 loaded potato skin halves.
What kind of broth is best?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of beef broth to complement the ground beef filling.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness of the skins.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
While not in the original ingredients list, adding shredded cheddar or parmesan on top of the mashed potatoes before browning would be a delicious addition.
How do I get the skins crispy?
Brush the scooped-out potato shells with a little oil and salt and bake them for a few minutes before adding the filling to ensure they become crispy.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as an appetizer and a comfort food snack.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble and bake.
Is the onion diced or sliced?
The recipe specifies 1/2 of a medium onion, diced, to ensure it blends well with the ground beef.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, keep the skins on as they serve as the 'bowl' for the Shepherd's Pie filling. Just be sure to scrub them clean before cooking.
What is the role of the beef broth?
The beef broth provides moisture and forms the base of the gravy that keeps the ground beef filling juicy and flavorful.
Can I use skim milk for the potatoes?
You can use skim milk, though whole milk is recommended for a creamier mashed potato texture.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe requires 2.5 tablespoons of butter, primarily used to enrich the mashed potato topping.
Are these potato skins very spicy?
No, they are savory rather than spicy. The heat comes only from the 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, they can be frozen after assembly but before the final bake. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through and browned.
Is this a hearty appetizer?
Yes, because it combines meat, vegetables, and potatoes, it is much more filling than a standard appetizer.
What is the best way to mash the potatoes?
Use a potato masher or a fork to combine the cooked potato flesh with the milk and butter until smooth before piping or spooning onto the skins.