Discover a delicious and filling meal with these Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes with Meat and Veggies. Perfect for dinner or a hearty lunch, these stuffed potatoes combine tender baked potatoes with a savory filling of minced meat, vegetables, and melted cheese. This recipe is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with your family. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1/2 red pepper, diced
- 1 Italian pepper, diced
- 500-600 g minced meat
- 200 g tomato sauce
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 100 g cheese (divided for two recipes)
- 1 egg
- 100 g cheddar cheese, grated
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper mixture
- 1 tsp dried onion flakes
- 1 tsp dried garlic flakes
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried bell pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and prick them with a fork several times.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the Bacon:
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the diced carrot, red pepper, and Italian pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Minced Meat:
- Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper mixture, dried onion flakes, dried garlic flakes, dried rosemary, and dried bell pepper flakes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Mix in Spring Onions:
- Mix in the chopped spring onions and remove from heat.
Step 3: Stuff the Potatoes
- Fill the Potato Shells:
- Place the potato shells on a baking sheet.
- Fill each potato shell with the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle half of the cheese (50 g) over the stuffed potatoes.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- Mix the Topping:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix with the grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Top the Potatoes:
- Spoon this mixture evenly over the stuffed potatoes.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Potatoes
- Bake:
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your cheesy stuffed potatoes with meat and veggies!
Tips for Success
- Potato Preparation: Ensure the potatoes are cooked through and tender before scooping out the flesh. This will make them easier to stuff and ensure even cooking.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables or switch up the type of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- Even Topping: Make sure the egg, cheese, and breadcrumb mixture is evenly distributed over the potatoes for a consistent, crispy topping.
Health Benefits
These stuffed potatoes are a well-rounded meal, offering protein from the meat, vitamins from the vegetables, and calcium from the cheese. They are a nutritious and satisfying option for any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different types of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make these stuffed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed potatoes and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake them as directed.
Q: What can I serve with these stuffed potatoes?
A: These stuffed potatoes pair well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a light soup for a complete meal.
Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes with Meat and Veggies are a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful filling and crispy topping, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this satisfying dish and be sure to explore more of our recipes for additional culinary inspiration!
