Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction:

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes are a delightful, hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The combination of fluffy baked potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, salsa, or avocado slices

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and poke a few holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Rub the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
3. Scoop out the flesh: Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and gently scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a ¼-inch thick shell. Set the scooped-out potato aside for later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the beef: Stir in the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

1. Mash the potato flesh: In a bowl, combine the scooped-out potato flesh with butter and mash until smooth. Mix in half of the shredded cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
2. Combine with beef: Add the beef mixture to the mashed potato and stir to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake the Potatoes

1. Fill the potato shells: Spoon the beef and potato mixture back into the potato skins, packing them full and slightly mounding them at the top.
2. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the stuffed potatoes.
3. Bake again: Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and enjoy: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top with sour cream, green onions, or any of your favorite toppings. Serve hot and enjoy your Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes!

Tips:

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for some extra heat.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.
• Vegetarian option: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

Conclusion:

These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, combining comforting flavors with a fun presentation. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or casual gathering, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal!