Stuffed Baked Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender baked potatoes with a savory filling of minced meat and vegetables, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Salt (to taste)
For the Filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 red pepper, diced
- 1 Italian pepper, diced
- 500-600 g (1.1-1.3 lbs) minced meat
- 200 g (3/4 cup) tomato sauce
- 2-3 stalks spring onion, chopped
- 50 g (1/2 cup) cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 100 g (1 cup) cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
- Pepper mixture (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp dried onion
- 1 tsp dried peppers
- 1 tsp dried garlic
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and dry them. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a small border to keep the shape. Set the scooped-out potato aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the grated carrot, diced red pepper, and diced Italian pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Meat:
- Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper mixture, dried onion, dried peppers, dried garlic, and dried rosemary. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese and chopped spring onion. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Beat the egg and add it to the filling mixture, stirring well to combine.
3. Stuff the Potatoes:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Fill the Potato Shells:
- Fill the potato shells with the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and grated cheddar cheese.
4. Bake:
- Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the stuffed potatoes cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a main dish with a side salad or as a hearty appetizer.
Health Benefits
These stuffed baked potatoes are packed with nutrients from the various vegetables, providing vitamins and fiber. The minced meat adds protein, while the cheese offers calcium and additional protein. This dish is a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients for energy and overall health.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Conclusion
Stuffed Baked Potatoes are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. The combination of tender potatoes, savory meat, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese, creates a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with your loved ones!