Potato Cheese Baked Delight

Looking to make a dinner that not only satisfies your family but also makes your neighbors green with envy? This super delicious and easy recipe featuring stuffed potatoes with a cheesy twist is just what you need. It combines hearty potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese for a meal that’s bound to impress. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

  • 3 large potatoes (900 grams)
  • 300 grams of cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (20 ml)
  • 4 grams of salt

For the Filling:

  • 500 grams of ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (20 ml)
  • 1 onion
  • 3 green peppers
  • 1 red pepper
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce (25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon of tomato paste (20 grams)
  • Paprika, black pepper, cumin, thyme, and salt to taste
  • 3-4 sprigs of parsley

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon
  • Grater

Directions

Preparing the Potatoes

  1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Prick them with a fork and rub them with vegetable oil and salt.
  3. First Cooking: Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven until they are tender.

Making the Filling

  1. Sauté Vegetables: While the potatoes are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, green peppers, red pepper, and garlic. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
  2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spices (paprika, black pepper, cumin, thyme, and salt). Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Stir in chopped parsley.

Stuffing the Potatoes

  1. Hollow the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the insides to create a cavity for the filling.
  2. Add Cheese: Grate the cheddar cheese and mix a portion of it with the potato insides you scooped out. Spoon this cheesy potato mixture back into the potato skins, creating a base layer.
  3. Fill the Potatoes: Top the cheesy potato mixture with the ground beef filling. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Final Baking

  1. Second Cooking: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 200°C until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips, Shortcuts, and Variations

  • Shortcut: Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
  • Variation: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mix of beans and corn for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. Add chili flakes for a bit of heat.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Food and Drink Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing iced tea or a sparkling water with lemon.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare the filling ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before stuffing the potatoes.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Absolutely! Mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of your favorite cheeses would work well in this recipe.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish spicier? A: Yes, you can add chopped jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle some chili powder into the beef mixture for extra heat.

Conclusion

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for families, dinner parties, or anyone who loves a comforting and flavorful dish. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is great because it’s easy to make, yet yields an impressive and delicious result. Plus, it’s versatile and can be adjusted to suit different tastes.