Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Ground Beef
Introduction
Stuffed baked potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with hearty filling. This recipe features tender baked potatoes filled with a rich ground beef and vegetable mixture, then topped with golden melted cheese. Perfect as a main dish or a side, these cheesy stuffed potatoes are guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 6 medium potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes, rub with olive oil, season with salt, and bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Filling – In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, carrot, and bell pepper; sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Hollow the Potatoes – Once baked, cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out some flesh to make space for the filling.
- Stuff the Potatoes – Fill each potato with the beef mixture.
- Add Cheese & Bake – Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Return to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve – Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Potato – 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick – Add chili flakes or jalapeños.
- BBQ Twist – Use leftover pulled pork or BBQ chicken as filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy as a game-day snack or party appetizer.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Freeze unbaked stuffed potatoes (without cheese) for up to 2 months, then top with cheese and bake when ready.
Conclusion
These cheesy stuffed baked potatoes with ground beef are a delicious blend of comfort and flavor. Crispy skin, savory filling, and melty cheese make them perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.