Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes

Here’s a delicious recipe for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes. These potatoes are loaded with flavorful beef, cheese, and all the comforting toppings you love!

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
• Olive oil (for rubbing on potatoes)
• Butter (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Wash and scrub the potatoes. Prick them a few times with a fork, then rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt.
   • Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the Beef Filling:
   • While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
   • Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
   • Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
   • Slice the potatoes down the middle lengthwise and gently scoop out the insides, leaving a small border around the edges to maintain the potato’s shape.
   • Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl and mash it with a fork or potato masher.
   • Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix well. If you want it extra creamy, you can add some butter or sour cream at this stage.
4. Stuff the Potatoes:
   • Take each potato skin and stuff it with the beef mixture. Then, top it with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with additional cheese, like mozzarella or more cheddar.
5. Bake Again:
   • Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a pat of butter on top for extra richness.

Enjoy:

These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes are a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for dinner. Serve them with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal!