Servings: 4
Prep Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Filling
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup green peas (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Manchego cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Side Salad
- Green lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Ranch dressing or vinaigrette, to taste
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly, prick them several times with a fork, and bake them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 45–60 minutes, or until they are tender. Alternatively, boil the potatoes until soft.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out some of the flesh with a spoon, leaving about a ½-inch (1 cm) border around the edges to create sturdy potato shells.
- Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl. Add the butter, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced tomato, carrots, green peas (if using), paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the filling is juicy.
- Spoon a layer of the mashed potato mixture back into each potato shell, then top generously with the ground beef filling.
- Sprinkle plenty of shredded cheese over each stuffed potato.
- Return the potatoes to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with a fresh green salad dressed with ranch or your favorite vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestion
These stuffed baked potatoes are wonderfully creamy on the inside, filled with a flavorful, juicy ground beef mixture, and finished with a delicious layer of golden, melted cheese. Serve them with a crisp green salad for a hearty and satisfying meal.
