Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare the beef filling. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, and chili powder if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Scoop the Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.
- Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl.
Step 4: Make the Mashed Potato Filling
- Add the butter and milk to the bowl with the scooped-out potato flesh. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes
- Divide the mashed potato mixture evenly among the potato shells, creating a small well in the center of each.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the well of each potato, heaping it as needed.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef filling.
Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Potatoes
- Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet.
- Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your cheesy beef-stuffed potatoes!
Tips for Success:
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe as they have a fluffy interior that is perfect for mashing.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the beef mixture, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn, for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed potatoes up to the point of the second bake and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake them in a preheated oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these stuffed potatoes as a hearty main course alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- These stuffed potatoes also make an excellent side dish for grilled meats or a barbecue spread.
Variations:
- Mexican-Style: Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the beef mixture and top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and a dollop of guacamole.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Breakfast: Use cooked breakfast sausage instead of beef and top with a fried egg for a breakfast twist.
These cheesy beef-stuffed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. They combine the best of baked potatoes and hearty beef filling, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Enjoy them for dinner, lunch, or a hearty snack!