Introduction:
Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Meat and Cheese are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. Crispy, tender potatoes are baked until soft, then filled with savory ground meat, cheese, and delicious seasonings. Whether served as a hearty main dish or a satisfying side, these stuffed potatoes will quickly become a family favorite. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your choice of meat and toppings for a personalized meal.
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or lamb)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup milk or cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Optional toppings: bacon bits, jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of ranch dressing
Instructions:
Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Prepare the Meat Filling:
While the potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
Make the Potato Filling:
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut a slit along the top of each potato.
Gently scoop out the flesh of each potato, leaving about 1/4 inch around the edges to maintain the potato’s shape.
Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a bowl and mash with butter, milk or cream, and salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
Mix the mashed potato flesh with the cooked meat and onion mixture.
Stir in 3/4 of the shredded cheese (reserve the rest for topping).
Carefully spoon the mixture back into the potato skins.
Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops of the stuffed potatoes.
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
Optional: Top with sour cream, bacon bits, or any other toppings of your choice.
Description:
These Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Meat and Cheese are an ultimate comfort food that combines the crispy, golden exterior of a baked potato with a savory, hearty filling. The creamy mashed potato filling mixed with seasoned ground meat and melted cheese is the perfect balance of flavor and texture. They’re customizable with a variety of toppings and can easily be made with whatever ground meat you have on hand. This dish is perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a fun family gathering.
Tips:
Use leftover meat: If you have leftover roast chicken, turkey, or any kind of roast beef, it can be shredded and used as the filling.
Make them spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or chili flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheese variety: Experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda can also add a delicious twist.
Meal prep: Prepare these potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake them until heated through and the cheese melts.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Swap the meat for black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or lentils to create a hearty vegetarian filling.
BBQ Beef: Add BBQ sauce to the ground beef mixture for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Chicken Alfredo: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and mix it with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, indulgent filling.
Buffalo Chicken: For a spicy twist, use shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
Corrections:
If you prefer a more crispy skin on your potatoes, you can rub them with olive oil and sea salt before baking to give them an extra crunchy texture.
If the potato filling feels too dry, adjust the milk or cream to your desired consistency when mashing the potatoes.
Enjoy:
Now that your stuffed baked potatoes are ready, enjoy every bite of this savory, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a meal for a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table!