Ingredients:

For the Potatoes:

• 4 potatoes (medium to large-sized)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• Olive oil, for sautéing
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Oregano, to taste
• 80g cheese (any melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar), shredded

For the Minced Meat:

• 600g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Italian herb mix, to taste
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 100g cheese, shredded
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

For Garnishing:

• Fresh dill, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes and placing them in a pot of salted boiling water. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Peel and cut the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Peel the skins off and slice each potato in half.
3. Prepare the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the halved potatoes cut-side up on the tray.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the grated carrot to the pan and continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until the carrot softens.
4. Season the vegetable mixture with salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Minced Meat Mixture

1. In a bowl, combine the 600g of minced meat, salt, black pepper, and Italian herb mix. Mix everything well until the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the meat into cutlets: Form small, oval-shaped cutlets from the meat mixture and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, chop the hard-boiled eggs and mix them with the 100g shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. This will be the filling for your cutlets.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake the Potatoes

1. Assemble the potatoes: Take your halved potatoes and spoon a layer of the sautéed onion and carrot mixture on top. Sprinkle 80g of cheese over the vegetables.
2. Bake the potatoes: Place the stuffed potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Bake the Minced Meat Cutlets

1. Add the filling to the cutlets: Once the cutlets are formed, place a spoonful of the egg and cheese mixture on top of each cutlet.
2. Top with tomato slices: Lay a few slices of tomato over the filling on each cutlet.
3. Bake the cutlets: Place the tray with the cutlets into the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cutlets are cooked through and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once both the stuffed potatoes and the minced meat cutlets are baked, transfer them to serving plates.
2. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped dill for added flavor and a burst of color.
3. Serve the stuffed potatoes and minced meat cutlets with a fresh salad or your favorite side dish.

Cooking Tips:

• Cheese: You can use any type of melting cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda. For a stronger flavor, you could try using a sharper cheese like Emmental or Gruyere.
• Minced Meat Options: You can experiment with different types of minced meat such as beef, pork, chicken, or even a mixture of two meats for added flavor.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: If you want a lighter version, you can skip the boiled eggs in the filling and just use the cheese.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepped in advance. You can boil the potatoes, sauté the vegetables, and prepare the minced meat mixture the day before. Store everything in the refrigerator and assemble it when ready to bake.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Leftover stuffed potatoes and cutlets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked minced meat cutlets for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake them in the oven until warm and crispy.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fats: 32g
• Fiber: 5g

FAQs:

1. Can I substitute minced meat? Yes, you can substitute minced meat with minced chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
2. Can I add other vegetables to the potato filling? Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
3. How do I know the cutlets are cooked? The internal temperature of the minced meat cutlets should reach 70°C (160°F) when cooked.
4. Can I use different herbs? Yes, feel free to use your favorite herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or basil to match your taste preferences.

Conclusion:

This Stuffed Potatoes with Minced Meat and Cheese Topping recipe offers a delicious combination of flavors that will satisfy the whole family. The golden baked potatoes, rich cheese, and hearty minced meat filling come together in perfect harmony, creating a comforting and fulfilling meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Enjoy!