Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Ground Meat and Cheese
Introduction:
Stuffed baked potatoes are a hearty and versatile dish that combines the earthy flavor of baked potatoes with a rich, savory filling. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful ground meat, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 300g ground beef or ground meat of your choice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then dry them with a towel. Pierce each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle with a little salt. Place them on a baking tray and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté until softened.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced red bell pepper, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once cooked, set aside.
- Assemble the Potatoes:
- When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the insides, creating a small well for the filling.
- Spoon the ground meat mixture into each potato half, filling them generously.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed potato.
- Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the stuffed potatoes warm, either as a main dish or a hearty side.
Conclusion:
These stuffed baked potatoes with ground meat and cheese are a delightful meal that brings together comforting flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, their cheesy, savory goodness is sure to satisfy. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make this recipe your own! Enjoy your delicious and hearty stuffed baked potatoes.