These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes combine the rustic charm of tender baked potatoes with a rich, savory filling of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Each bite offers the comfort of creamy potato mixed with the boldness of spiced beef and the smoothness of cheese, making it a go-to recipe for any meal that calls for satisfying heartiness.
This dish not only provides a fulfilling dinner but also stands out as an easy option for those busy evenings. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, and the final assembly is as simple as stuffing and baking. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate a balanced meal into your weeknight rotation, ensuring you have a warm, delicious dinner ready in no time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes
- 450g ground beef
- 1 onion
- Salt, black pepper, paprika
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 bell pepper
- 2-3 tomatoes
- 200g cheese
- Parsley
- Butter
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 75 minutes | Total Time: 90 minutes
- Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes. Poke each potato several times with a fork.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are baking, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.
- Add the diced bell pepper and tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice off the tops and scoop out some of the flesh to create a well.
- Mash the scooped-out potato flesh with butter, salt, and pepper. Mix in some chopped parsley.
- Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into the potato wells. Top with grated cheese.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley.
Versatility and Adaptations
The Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes recipe is not only delicious but also highly adaptable. It’s a fantastic base that allows for various modifications to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. For instance, you can switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative to make it vegetarian. The cheese can be varied too; try mozzarella for a stringy cheese pull or a sharp cheddar for more depth of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is a good source of protein, thanks to the beef and cheese, making it an excellent choice for a fulfilling meal that keeps you satiated. Potatoes themselves are a great source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber, especially if you leave the skins on. To boost the nutritional content further, consider adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
Cooking Tips
Achieving the perfect stuffed potato requires a few cooking tricks:
- Ensure the potatoes are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking.
- Poking holes in the potatoes before baking helps steam escape, preventing them from bursting in the oven.
- Scooping out the right amount of potato flesh is crucial; too much, and the skins will tear, too little, and you’ll miss out on the perfect filling-to-potato ratio.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes are hearty enough to stand as a meal on their own, but they can also be served with a side salad for a touch of freshness or some steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. They are also perfect for meal prep as they reheat well for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the busy workweek.
Occasions
This dish is versatile enough to fit into any dining occasion. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner, a comforting meal on a chilly evening, or even when you have guests over and need a dish that can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you free to mingle.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover stuffed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave or, for best results, in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This method helps to keep the potato skins crispy and the cheese melty.