Hearty, Comforting & Loaded with Flavor
These Stuffed Potatoes with Minced Meat and Cheese are a comforting, satisfying dish that layers tender baked potatoes with savory seasoned meat and bubbly cheese. Inspired by classic stuffed potato recipes from around the world, this version brings bold flavor and easy prep to your dinner table.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you want something hearty and homemade!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥔 Tender Potato Base: Baked until soft inside, slightly crispy on the outside.
- 🍖 Savory Meat Mixture: Aromatic minced meat with garlic, onion, peppers, and herbs.
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Melty topping that makes every bite better.
- ⏱️ Quick Assembly: From stove to oven in under an hour—great for busy nights.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Ideal at weeknight meals, potlucks, or school lunches.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Potatoes:
- 800g (about 1.75 lbs) potatoes , peeled and halved
- Vegetable oil (for brushing or frying – optional)
For the Minced Meat Filling:
- 500g (about 1 lb) ground beef or lamb (or plant-based ground meat for vegetarian option)
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tomato , chopped (or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- Provencal herbs (or Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
- Sweet paprika , to taste (adds warmth without heat)
To Top:
- 70g (½ cup) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, or feta for variation)
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Peel and cut potatoes in half lengthwise .
Place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 10–15 minutes , or until fork-tender.
Drain well and let cool slightly before handling.
Tip: For extra crispiness, brush cut sides with oil and roast for 15–20 minutes before stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat:
- Add a splash of vegetable oil
- Brown the minced meat until fully cooked and crumbly
Add:
- Minced garlic
- Chopped onions
and sauté for 2–3 minutes , until softened.
Stir in:
- Red and yellow bell peppers
and cook until tender—about 5 minutes more .
Add:
- Chopped tomato
- Season with salt, black pepper, Provencal herbs , and sweet paprika
Simmer everything together for 5 minutes , or until thickened and fragrant.
Set aside while preparing the potatoes.
Step 3: Hollow Out the Potatoes
Once cooled enough to handle, use a spoon to gently scoop out a portion of the center of each potato half to create a well for stuffing .
Place the hollowed halves into a greased baking dish, cut side up.
Set aside while filling is prepared.
Pro Tip: Save scooped-out potato for mashed toppings or future hash browns!
Step 4: Stuff Like a Pro
Fill each potato half generously with the minced meat mixture .
Press down lightly so it stays in place during baking.
Step 5: Top with Cheese & Bake
Sprinkle each stuffed potato with grated cheese , making sure to cover the top evenly.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes , or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve Hot
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Serve hot as a main dish or alongside:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Or crusty bread
Each bite brings together:
- Soft, creamy baked potato
- Rich, spiced meat filling
- And that gooey, golden cheese finish
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Cold Hands: Helps shape and stuff the potatoes easily.
- 🧑🍳 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble ahead and refrigerate—bake just before serving.
- 🧀 Cheese Swap Option: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or vegan cheese for different finishes.
- 🌶️ Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or cayenne for extra kick.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely and freeze individual portions—reheat in oven later.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner entrée.
- Great for meal prep or weekend cooking.
- Ideal with a cold drink like yogurt drink, lemon water, or beer.
Nutritional Information (per stuffed potato, makes 6 servings – approximate):
(With regular beef and cheddar – per potato half)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
These Stuffed Potatoes with Minced Meat and Cheese prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible. With their soft potato base, savory meat layer, and golden cheese crown—they’re a must-bake for lovers of hearty home-cooked meals.
