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Looking for the ultimate comfort food upgrade? These Cottage Pie Baked Potatoes have become my family's favorite twist on the classic. I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I had leftover ground beef and some baking potatoes. Now it's our go to meal that combines everything we love about shepherd's pie but with way less fuss.
Why This Works
I've always loved cottage pie but sometimes making those mashed potatoes feels like too much work. This version gives you all those cozy flavors stuffed into a perfectly baked potato. The crispy skin adds extra texture while that fluffy interior soaks up all the savory beef gravy. It's seriously the best of both worlds.
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What You'll Need
- Russet Baking Potatoes: Medium-sized and perfect for crispy skins and fluffy interiors.
- Ground Beef: Use 90% lean beef for a hearty, rich filling.
- Mixed Vegetables: A colorful mix of peas, carrots, and corn for texture and nutrition.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty and gooey, perfect for a comforting topping.
Let's Get Cooking
- Bake the Potatoes
- Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake at 400°F for an hour or until tender.
- Prepare the Filling
- Brown ground beef with onions and garlic, then mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Add vegetables and simmer until thickened.
- Assemble and Bake
- Slice open the baked potatoes, fluff the insides, and fill with the meat mixture. Top with cheddar cheese and bake until melted.
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Mix It Up
Don't be afraid to get creative with this recipe. Sometimes I use sweet potatoes for a different flavor or swap in ground turkey when we're keeping it lighter. My kids love when I add extra cheese and my husband's a fan of spicing things up with some diced jalapeños. The possibilities are endless.
My Kitchen Secrets
Here's what I've learned from making these countless times choose potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Let that filling simmer until it's nice and thick nobody wants a runny potato. And always fluff the inside of your potato before adding the filling it makes such a difference in the final texture.
Keep It Fresh
These potatoes reheat beautifully. I often make extra filling and keep it in the fridge for quick dinners during the week. The whole assembled potatoes will keep for about three days and honestly they might taste even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to meld together.
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Perfect Partners
While these stuffed potatoes are definitely filling on their own I love serving them with a crisp side salad or some roasted broccoli. The fresh vegetables balance out all that delicious richness. Sometimes I'll warm up some crusty bread too because that filling is too good to leave any behind.
Make It Easy
On busy days I prep the filling in advance sometimes even using leftover ground beef from another meal. The potatoes can bake while you're helping with homework or doing other things around the house. Then it's just a quick assembly and final bake when you're ready to eat.
Why You'll Love This
These loaded potatoes have become such a favorite in our house. They're filling comforting and so much easier than traditional cottage pie. Plus everyone can customize their toppings just the way they like it. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something that feels special but doesn't take hours to make.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
Prepare filling and bake potatoes ahead. Reheat potatoes, top with warm filling and cheese before serving.
- → Can I use different vegetables?
Any frozen mixed vegetables work well. You can also use fresh vegetables, just cook until tender.
- → How do I pick good baking potatoes?
Choose large russet potatoes of similar size. Look for clean skin without sprouts or green spots.
- → Can I microwave the potatoes?
Yes, microwave about 10 minutes, rotating halfway through. Test with fork for doneness.
- → What can I serve with this?
A simple green salad makes a perfect side as the potato itself is a complete meal.
Conclusion
Make these baked potatoes filled with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.