🥔 Beef Stuffed Potatoes
📖 Description
Beef Stuffed Potatoes are a hearty and comforting dish made by baking large potatoes until tender, scooping out the fluffy insides, and filling them with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and cheese. The potatoes are then baked again for a golden, melty finish. Perfect as a main course or as a side for a family dinner, this recipe is filling, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
🍴 Ingredients
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4 large baking potatoes (Russet or similar)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
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1 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)
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500 g (1 lb) ground beef
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2 tbsp tomato paste or ½ cup tomato sauce
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
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Bake the Potatoes
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Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Wash potatoes, poke holes with a fork, and bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.
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Prepare the Filling
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Heat olive oil in a pan.
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Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms until softened.
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Add ground beef, cook until browned.
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Stir in tomato paste/sauce, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Hollow the Potatoes
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Cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise.
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Scoop out most of the flesh (leave some for stability).
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Mash the scooped-out potato and mix it into the beef filling.
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Stuff & Bake
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Spoon beef mixture into potato shells.
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Top with shredded cheese.
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Bake again for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
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Serve
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Garnish with parsley or green onions.
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Serve hot with a side salad or sour cream.
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📝 Notes
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Russet potatoes work best because of their fluffy interior.
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Can substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or lamb.
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Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
💡 Tips
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For crispy skins, rub potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking.
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Add corn, peas, or carrots to the beef filling for extra nutrition.
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Spice lovers can add jalapeños or hot sauce.
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Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.
🍽 Servings
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Serves: 4 people
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Portion: 2 stuffed potato halves per person
🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)Calories: 420
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Protein: 24 g
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Carbohydrates: 40 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Fiber: 5 g
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Calcium: 120 mg
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Iron: 3.5 mg
Health Benefits
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Potatoes provide energy, potassium, and fiber.
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Beef is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
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Vegetables boost antioxidants and vitamins.
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Cheese adds calcium and protein for bone health.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and stuff the potatoes, refrigerate, and bake with cheese just before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q: What can I serve with Beef Stuffed Potatoes?
A: A fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a light soup pairs perfectly.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed potatoes?
A: Yes. Freeze them unbaked, then bake directly from frozen (add ~15 minutes extra).
Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Use lean beef, add more veggies, and reduce cheese for a lighter version.