Oven-Baked Stuffed Potatoes

Stuffed Baked Potatoes: A Warm and Satisfying Delight

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of baked potatoes stuffed with delicious meat and fresh vegetables? This recipe for stuffed baked potatoes isn’t just a tasty meal, but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your preferences. Whether you choose to serve it at a special dinner or a family lunch, these stuffed potatoes are always a winning choice.

Preparation Time

- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 14 potatoes

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 14 medium-sized potatoes
- 500 g ground beef
- 150 g grated mozzarella
- 1 small bell pepper (yellow or green), finely chopped
- ½ hot pepper, finely chopped (optional, for extra spice)
- 3 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 peeled and chopped tomatoes
- 150 ml olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cups beef broth or 3 cups warm water with 3 tablespoons of seasoning (or spice mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Corn oil, for frying

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the filling:
In a large skillet, add half of the olive oil and sauté the onions over medium heat until they become translucent. Add the ground beef, bell pepper, and hot pepper, then season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Cook everything for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well cooked and the juices have evaporated.

2. Draining the filling:
Once the filling is ready, transfer the meat to a strainer to drain off excess oil. Let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the potatoes:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, then peel them. Using a special scooping spoon (or a sharp knife), scoop out the insides of the potatoes, being careful not to break their shape. The scooped-out insides can be kept for the filling but should be cooked immediately to prevent oxidation.

4. Sautéing the insides:
In a skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the scooped potato insides along with the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

5. Frying the potatoes:
Heat the corn oil in a deep skillet. Fry the potatoes, with the scooped side down, until they turn golden and crispy. Place them on a strainer with the scooped side down to drain off excess oil.

6. Stuffing the potatoes:
Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, fill them with the meat and potato mixture. Arrange them in a baking dish, and pour the beef broth or the warm water mixture over the potatoes.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are well cooked. Then, sprinkle grated mozzarella on top and leave in the oven until browned, about 5 minutes.

Serving

Stuffed potatoes are served warm, accompanied by a portion of creamy yogurt and a fresh summer salad. A salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and green onions pairs perfectly, providing a refreshing contrast.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the potatoes: Use medium-sized potatoes that have a firm texture so they don’t break apart during cooking.
- Quick version: If you’re in a hurry, you can buy pre-prepared ground meat or use leftover meat from another meal.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as carrots or zucchini, or opt for chicken or turkey if you prefer.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the ground beef and offers a good source of healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes. Additionally, the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and are a healthy alternative.
- How can I store the stuffed potatoes? You can store the stuffed potatoes in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
- What drinks pair well? A dry white wine or iced tea with lemon complements the dish perfectly.

Whether you choose to enjoy these stuffed potatoes at a family meal or a special occasion, I’m sure you’ll bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: INGREDIENTS - 14 medium-sized potatoes - 1/2 kg minced beef - 150 g grated mozzarella - 1 small bell pepper, yellow or green, finely chopped - 1/2 finely chopped hot pepper - 3 medium onions, finely chopped - 3 peeled and chopped tomatoes - 150 ml olive oil - lemon juice - 3 cups meat broth or 3 cups warm water - 3 tablespoons of Vegeta or seasoning - salt, pepper to taste - corn oil