Beef Stuffed Potatoes

🥔 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

  • 4 large baking potatoes (Russet or similar)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)

  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or ½ cup tomato sauce

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Bake the Potatoes

    • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

    • Wash potatoes, poke holes with a fork, and bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.

  2. Prepare the Filling

    • Heat olive oil in a pan.

    • Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms until softened.

    • Add ground beef, cook until browned.

    • Stir in tomato paste/sauce, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. Hollow the Potatoes

    • Cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise.

    • Scoop out most of the flesh (leave some for stability).

    • Mash the scooped-out potato and mix it into the beef filling.

  4. Stuff & Bake

    • Spoon beef mixture into potato shells.

    • Top with shredded cheese.

    • Bake again for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

  5. Serve

    • Garnish with parsley or green onions.

    • Serve hot with a side salad or sour cream.

📝 Notes

  • Russet potatoes work best because of their fluffy interior.

  • Can substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or lamb.

  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

💡 Tips

  • For crispy skins, rub potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking.

  • Add corn, peas, or carrots to the beef filling for extra nutrition.

  • Spice lovers can add jalapeños or hot sauce.

  • Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.

🍽 Servings

  • Serves: 4 people

  • Portion: 2 stuffed potato halves per person

🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)Calories: 420

  • Protein: 24 g

  • Carbohydrates: 40 g

  • Fat: 18 g

  • Fiber: 5 g

  • Calcium: 120 mg

  • Iron: 3.5 mg

 Health Benefits

  • Potatoes provide energy, potassium, and fiber.

  • Beef is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12.

  • Vegetables boost antioxidants and vitamins.

  • 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.

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