These Stuffed Potatoes with Meat and Cheese are a delicious and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of creamy baked potatoes, savory meat filling, and melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 3 large potatoes (about 1 kg)
- 250g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 pinches of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic
- 500g minced meat (beef or pork)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme or oregano (optional)
- 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Rub the potatoes with vegetable oil and a little salt, then wrap each potato in foil.
- Place the potatoes in the oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Make the Meat Filling:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the grated garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned.
- Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers, salt, paprika, black pepper, ginger powder, turmeric, and tomato sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in the chopped parsley and thyme or oregano if using. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the majority of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin to maintain structure.
- Mix the scooped potato flesh with the meat filling and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, packing it down slightly.
4. Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Top each stuffed potato with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven (without the foil) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
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- Serve the stuffed potatoes hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey or chicken mince instead of beef or pork.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess.
- Enjoy with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Potatoes: A great source of potassium and vitamin C, providing energy and supporting immune function.
- Lean Meat: Offers high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants that support overall health.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences by changing the type of meat or adding more vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Hearty: Combines creamy potatoes, savory meat, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners.
- Versatile: Customizable filling options to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Conclusion:
Enjoy the delightful flavors of these Stuffed Potatoes with Meat and Cheese. The combination of creamy baked potatoes, savory meat filling, and melted cheese creates a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Bon appétit!