Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food but wants a healthier or more portion-controlled version. The bell peppers act as natural edible bowls, making serving easy and fun. Packed with protein, vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, these stuffed peppers are great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining.

Ingredients

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

• Bell peppers (any color)

• Ground beef or ground lamb

• Onion, diced

• Carrots, diced

• Frozen peas or corn

• Garlic, minced

• Tomato paste

• Worcestershire sauce

• Beef broth

• Salt and pepper

• Mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or instant)

• Olive oil or cooking spray

Optional Add-ins:

• Shredded cheese (for topping)

• Herbs like thyme or parsley

• Dash of paprika or chili flakes for heat

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly oil or spray a baking dish and place peppers upright in it.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add diced onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Add peas or corn and cook until mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Fill each bell pepper with the meat and veggie mixture.

7. Spoon or pipe mashed potatoes on top of the filling, creating a dome.

8. Optional: Sprinkle with cheese or paprika.

9. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to brown the tops.

10. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings, depending on the size of the peppers.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 55–60 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef/lamb.

• Sweet Potato Topping: Swap regular mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes.

• Low-Carb: Use mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes.

• Cheesy Mash: Mix shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes for added flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the meat filling.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
These also freeze well: wrap each pepper tightly and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the peppers up to a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

Are these peppers freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze well either baked or unbaked. Be sure to wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What type of ground meat is best?

Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, but ground beef, turkey, or even chicken work well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, just use dairy-free mashed potatoes and skip the cheese topping.

Do I have to cook the peppers first?

No need to pre-cook the peppers—they soften perfectly while baking.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, or green beans make great additions.

How do I keep the mashed potatoes from sinking?

Make sure the filling is packed firmly before topping with potatoes, and use thicker mashed potatoes for better structure.

What’s the best way to pipe the mashed potatoes on top?

Use a piping bag with a large star or round tip, or simply spoon it on and smooth with a spatula.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes, cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, depending on the size of the peppers and your air fryer.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Peppers combine the best of two comfort food favorites in one nourishing, easy-to-serve dish. Perfectly portioned and packed with flavor, they offer a satisfying meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

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