Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Meat and Cheese

Introduction

Baked potatoes are a timeless comfort food, but stuffing them with a flavorful meat filling and topping them with melted cheese takes them to a whole new level.

This hearty dish combines crispy potato skins, tender and juicy meat, and rich, melted cheese.

It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without too much hassle. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

4 large potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup carrots, finely diced

300g ground beef or lamb

1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place the potatoes on a baking tray and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

While the potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add the diced carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Hollow and Fill the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer to maintain the potato’s structure.

Mash the scooped-out potato flesh and mix it with the meat filling for added creaminess.

Spoon the meat mixture into each potato shell, pressing lightly to fill them completely.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the stuffed potatoes with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, followed by a light dusting of Parmesan.

Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve warm as a main dish or a side alongside a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Meat and Cheese are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, as you can customize the filling to suit your preferences.

Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy and delight everyone at the table. Give it a try and make your meals extra special!