Ultimate Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Potato Skins
Indulge in the perfect combination of crispy potato skins filled with a hearty and savory shepherd's pie-inspired filling. These flavorful skins are packed with seasoned ground beef and vibrant peas and carrots, all generously topped with sharp white cheddar cheese. A touch of Worcestershire sauce enriches the meat mixture, while a finishing dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a refreshing, creamy contrast. Perfect as a hearty appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun twist on a classic dish, these potato skins are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Idaho potatoes
10 small (washed and dried)
Olive oil
to taste (for sautéing and brushing)
Yellow onion
1/2 small (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Ground beef
1/2 lb
Flour
1 tablespoon
Beef broth
1/2 cup
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon
Frozen peas and carrots
1 1/4 cups (thawed)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Vegetable oil
for brushing
Shredded white cheddar cheese
1 cup
Sour cream
for garnish
Chopped parsley
for garnish
Instructions
1
Begin by pricking each of the potatoes all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
2
Microwave the potatoes in batches directly on the turntable for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender enough to pierce with a knife. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.
3
Once the potatoes are manageable, carefully halve them horizontally and scoop out the majority of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin layer in the skins for structure.
4
Place the prepared potato skins, flesh side down, on two parchment-lined baking sheets and set them aside.
5
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6
In a large skillet, heat about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and thyme, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, roughly 5-7 minutes.
7
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
8
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to incorporate it while cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
9
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
10
Stir in the thawed peas and carrots, allowing the mixture to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and keep the mixture warm.
11
Brush the insides of the potato skins with vegetable oil, then place the baking sheets in the oven. Bake for 7-10 minutes, flipping the skins halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
12
Once crispy, remove the potato skins from the oven and fill each one with approximately 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese, followed by 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture on top.
13
Return the filled potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14
To serve, add a dollop of sour cream on each skin and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before enjoying!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Ultimate Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Potato Skins.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Small Idaho potatoes are recommended for these shepherd's pie skins.
How many potatoes are needed for a full batch?
The recipe requires 10 small Idaho potatoes.
How do I prepare the potatoes for the microwave?
You should wash and dry the potatoes, then prick each one all over with a fork to allow steam to escape.
How long should I microwave the potatoes?
Microwave the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender enough to pierce with a knife.
How do I create the potato skins after microwaving?
Halve the cooked potatoes horizontally and scoop out the majority of the flesh, leaving a thin layer in the skins for structural support.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the skins?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What aromatics are used in the beef filling?
The filling uses diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, and dried thyme.
How much ground beef is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of ground beef.
Why is flour added to the meat mixture?
Flour is sprinkled over the beef to help thicken the sauce once the broth is added.
What liquids create the savory sauce for the filling?
Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are used to create the savory liquid base.
What vegetables are included in the shepherd's pie filling?
The filling includes 1 1/4 cups of thawed frozen peas and carrots.
How long should the vegetable and meat mixture simmer?
After adding the peas and carrots, let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
How do I make the potato skins crispy?
Brush the insides with vegetable oil and bake them for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What type of cheese is suggested for topping?
Shredded white cheddar cheese is the recommended topping.
How much cheese should I put in each skin?
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese into each skin before adding the meat.
In what order do I fill the potato skins?
First, fill each skin with shredded cheese, and then top with approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture.
How long do the filled skins bake in the oven?
Bake the filled skins for an additional 7-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Serve the skins with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the specific amount of Worcestershire sauce needed?
You will need 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How should I line my baking sheets?
The recipe suggests using parchment-lined baking sheets for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Is the onion diced or sliced?
The half small yellow onion should be diced.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 16 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can these be served as a game-day snack?
Yes, they are described as a perfect hearty appetizer or game-day snack.
How long does it take to sauté the aromatics?
It takes roughly 5-7 minutes to sauté the onion, garlic, and thyme until soft.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas and carrots before adding them to the skillet?
The peas and carrots should be thawed before being stirred into the beef mixture.
What kind of thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of thyme.
Are the potatoes cooked whole in the microwave?
Yes, potatoes are pricked and microwaved whole before being halved and scooped.