This Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Ground Beef Filling is a deliciously satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of tender potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and savory ground beef make this a hearty and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that will impress everyone at the table.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Potatoes:
- 3 large potatoes (900g or 6 cups), sliced
- 300g (3 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons (20ml) vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons (20ml) vegetable oil
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
- 3 green peppers, finely chopped (1 cup)
- 3 red peppers, finely chopped (1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (20g) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons (25g) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 sprigs parsley, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Slice the potatoes into thick rounds.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread shredded cheddar cheese evenly on the tray.
- Arrange potato slices on top of the cheese. Sprinkle salt over the potatoes and drizzle with vegetable oil.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped onion, green peppers, red peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, paprika, black pepper, cumin, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven.
- Spread the ground beef filling evenly over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Cooking Tips
- Slice the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Adjust spices to suit your taste; add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Use a combination of ground beef and pork for richer flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Provide potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.
- Ground Beef: High in protein and essential vitamins like B12.
- Cheddar Cheese: A good source of calcium and adds creamy flavor.
Dietary Information
- Contains dairy, gluten, and meat.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free cheese and tomato paste.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Combines comforting flavors of potatoes, cheese, and beef.
- Perfect for casual family meals or entertaining guests.
- Customizable with your favorite spices or vegetables.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Ground Beef Filling is a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Its layers of creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and savory beef create a wholesome, satisfying dish. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the comfort of homemade goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well and add a slightly sweeter flavor. - Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian option. - What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack are great substitutes for cheddar. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish without baking, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. - How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the tray?
Use parchment paper and drizzle olive oil over the potatoes. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven. - Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great additions. - What can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh cilantro, chives, or basil work well as substitutes. - How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Slice the potatoes evenly and arrange them in a single layer on the tray.