Shepherd's Pie Baked Potatoes

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 4 russet potatoes (about 8 ounces each)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • Kosher salt
  • 12 ounces ground beef
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese (about 4 ounces)

Preparation

Step 1

Pierce the potatoes with a fork in a few spots. Put on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until tender, 14 to 16 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the onion is soft, about 4 minutes. Add the beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.

Stir in the beef broth, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the peas and carrots and warm through, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper.

Preheat the broiler. Halve the potatoes lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork; top each potato half with 1/2 tablespoon butter and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Divide the meat mixture among the potato halves, then top with the cheese. Broil until melted, about 2 minutes.

Photograph by Ryan Dausch