Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie Potato Skins combine two comfort food classics into one irresistible dish. Crispy baked potato shells are filled with a savory ground meat and vegetable mixture, then topped with creamy mashed potato and baked until golden. These hearty, handheld bites are perfect for appetizers, dinners, or game-day snacks—bringing all the cozy flavors of shepherd’s pie in a fun and portable form.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

russet potatoesground beef or lambcarrotpeasyellow oniongarlic clovesbuttermilkheavy creamsalt and black pepperolive oiltomato pasteWorcestershire saucethyme (fresh or dried)Parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and scrub potatoes clean.

Prick potatoes with a fork and bake directly on the rack for 45-50 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Let potatoes cool slightly, then slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving a sturdy shell. Set aside scooped flesh in a bowl.

Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes more to crisp them up.

Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and carrot in olive oil until softened.

Add garlic and cook for another minute, then add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned.

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, peas, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until well combined.

Mash the scooped potato with butter, milk, and cream until smooth. Season to taste.

Fill the crisped potato skins with the meat mixture, then pipe or spoon mashed potatoes on top.

Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and bake for 15-20 minutes until tops are golden.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 potato skins (serves 4).Preparation time: 25 minutesInitial baking time: 50 minutesFinal baking time: 20 minutesTotal time: about 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Use sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor and color.

Add corn or green beans for more veggie variety.

Top with shredded cheddar instead of Parmesan.

Use leftover mashed potatoes for quicker prep.

Swap beef/lamb for ground turkey or plant-based meat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until hot.To freeze, wrap cooled potato skins individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day in advance and bake just before serving.

Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?

Absolutely, to save time—just make sure they’re thick and not too runny.

What’s the best meat to use?

Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, but ground beef or turkey work great too.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, the skins hold everything together and get deliciously crispy.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, use lentils or plant-based meat instead of ground meat.

Why are my mashed potatoes sliding off?

Make sure they’re thick and let the filling cool slightly before topping.

How do I get crispy skins?

Bake the hollowed shells with olive oil before filling them.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, cheddar, Gruyère, or even mozzarella work well.

Are they kid-friendly?

Yes—easy to hold and full of familiar, comforting flavors.

Can I make them bite-sized?

Use small potatoes like baby russets or red potatoes for mini versions.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Potato Skins are a creative, crave-worthy spin on classic comfort food. With their crisp shells, savory filling, and creamy topping, they’re a crowd-pleasing dish that works for weeknights, parties, or anytime you want a satisfying meal in a fun format.