Shepherd's Pie Stuffed Potatoes

We've got Rachel Ray to thank for last night's dinner inspiration with what she calls Shepherd's Pie Stuffed Potatoes although I beg to differ with her title. It would only be "shepherd's pie" if it was made from lamb but mine was made with ground turkey so it's really Cottage Pie; however, nit picking aside it was delicious and far better suited to an apres ski party than a 100 degree evening in Tucson. I think it's an incredibly clever idea though with endless possibilities.

Large Idaho baking potatoes are cooked to their optimum fluffiness, cooled slightly and hollowed out to provide the perfect vessel for filling with almost any kind of yummy thing. The reserved potatoes were mashed along with sauteed onion and red pepper, then made smoky and creamy with smoked paprika and sour cream. My version of the filling for the potato shells included ground turkey, onion and mushrooms finished with a gravy made of turkey stock that I happened to have in the freezer and spiced with garlic, poultry seasoning and thyme. Spooned into the potato "bowls", topped with the reserved mashed potatoes, garnished with grated cheese and finished under the broiler - it was just like Thanksgiving in a potato.

The big guy devoured it and of course, me being me - I couldn't help but pick it apart. I think the idea is stellar and certainly inspires all kinds of different fillings like maybe beef cooked in burgundy with onions and mushrooms, or a flavorful chicken stew, or a la' king, or especially chili. I only wish I had left the smoked paprika out of the mashed potatoes and I'd have been happier with the result - that from someone who absolutely loves the flavor of smoked paprika. I guess I'm just a traditionalist when it comes to my mashed spuds.

I'm providing you with the recipe as I made it along with the link to Rachel's. Just cook up your version and let me know how you like it! Be forewarned - we've enough leftovers to keep us going for most of the week so if there's just one or two of you, for heavens sake cut the recipe in half! Download Cottage Pie Stuffed Potatoes

Comments

[Sarah G]

Welcome Wagon gave me a BBQ food basket and I have 4 foil wrapped baking potatoes. I am not creative in this department but I like the meal in a potato skin idea.

[June]

Sarah - you'll do GREAT, just be sure to unwrap the foil on the potatoes and cook 'em in a hot oven because otherwise the shells won't be crispy/sturdy enough to hold a filling.

[Nanan]

Lovely looking meal in a potato - I would use ground beef and pork for sure! - never turkey...
Camille Ana is sitting next to me snacking on a plain raw carrot... I like that...

[June]

Thanks Lea! Bless Camille Ana's heart - she's a healthy wee thing isn't she! You're raising her right Lea.

[Mags]

What a gorgeous stuffed potato. And I like that you used turkey (much healthier!)

[June]

Mags - it was good & healthy and all, but I'm not sure it wouldn't have been better with beef! Isn't everything?...oh, that's butter. Silly me!