Ingredients:

• Potatoes:
  • 3 large potatoes
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 150g grated mozzarella
  • Provençal herbs (for sprinkling)
• Beef Filling:
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 450g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
  • 2 tbsp tomato sauce
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cilantro
  • ½ tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Fresh rosemary (for garnish)
  • Additional grated mozzarella (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle with Provençal herbs for added flavor.
4. Bake the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the skins are slightly crispy.

2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

1. Chop the Vegetables: While the potatoes are baking, finely chop 1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Brown the Meat: Add the 450g of minced meat to the pan with the onion and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Season the Meat: Stir in 2 tbsp of tomato sauce, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp cilantro, ½ tsp curry powder, and 1 tsp paprika. Continue to cook over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Assemble the Dish:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly, then slice each potato in half lengthwise.
2. Create a Well: Carefully scoop out a small amount of the potato flesh from each half to create a well for the beef filling.
3. Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the cooked beef mixture into each potato half, filling the wells generously.
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle fresh rosemary over the filled potatoes. Top each potato with additional grated mozzarella cheese.

4. Final Bake:

1. Bake Again: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F), or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

5. Serve:

1. Cool and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The dish is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to shine.

Additional Information:

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed potatoes for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per Serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 25g

Tips for Success:

• Customizing the Filling: You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, to vary the flavor.
• Crispy Potatoes: For extra crispy potato skins, brush them with olive oil and bake them separately on a higher rack for a few extra minutes before stuffing.

Possible Questions & Answers:

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

• Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious version of this dish.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Replace the minced meat with a plant-based ground meat substitute or use a combination of lentils and vegetables.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and bake the potatoes ahead of time. Simply assemble and do the final bake right before serving.

4. What other herbs can I use besides rosemary?

• Thyme, oregano, or even fresh parsley can be used as an alternative to rosemary.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

• Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts:

These baked potatoes with savory beef filling are a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a substantial side dish, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!