If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal, these stuffed baked potatoes with meat and cheese are the perfect choice. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat, onions, and gooey melted cheese, they’re pure comfort food. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weeknight treat, these potatoes are always a hit.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
For the Meat Filling:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
½ cup beef broth or water
For the Topping:
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Sour cream or yogurt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
- Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make the Meat Filling
- While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in paprika, cumin, black pepper, chili flakes, salt, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Stuff the Potatoes
- Once baked, let the potatoes cool slightly.
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out a bit of the flesh into a bowl (reserve for another use or mix into the meat filling).
- Spoon the meat mixture generously into each potato half.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Melt the Cheese
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy a filling, comforting meal!
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Potatoes
Potato choice: Russet potatoes are ideal for fluffy interiors.
Cheese: Mix cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Meal prep: You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and beans.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and easy weeknight meal.
Perfect for meal prepping or a family dinner.
Customizable with your favorite meats, spices, and toppings.
Comforting, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying!
