These incredibly delicious stuffed potato boats have become a weekly staple for good reason! Crispy roasted potato shells filled with savory ground beef, topped with melted cheese, and served alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad create the perfect comfort meal. Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (30ml / 1 oz)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped (about 50g / 1.8 oz)
For the Filling:
- 250g ground beef (9 oz / ½ lb)
- 1 white onion, finely chopped (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
- 70g tomato paste (2.5 oz / ¼ cup)
- Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (about 30g / 1 oz)
For the Potatoes:
- 3 medium potatoes (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt to taste
- Dried oregano
- Smoked paprika
For the Topping:
- 100g mozzarella cheese, grated (3.5 oz / 1 cup)
For the Fresh Salad:
- 2 tomatoes, diced (about 300g / 10.6 oz)
- 1 cucumber, finely chopped (about 200g / 7 oz)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
- 1 red onion, sliced into half-moons (about 100g / 3.5 oz)
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped (about 20g / 0.7 oz)
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled (3.5 oz / ½ cup)
- Green olives, sliced
- Salt and oregano to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, and a pinch of salt. Add finely chopped green onions and mix well with a fork. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Add 250g ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned on all sides. Add chopped white onion and cook until softened.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Add diced bell pepper and cook until tender. Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 4: Finish the Filling
Add chopped cilantro to the beef mixture and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut 3 unpeeled potatoes lengthwise in half. Brush each half with olive oil, then season with salt, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Step 6: Bake the Potatoes
Place potato halves in an oiled baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Create Potato Boats
Remove potatoes from oven and carefully scoop out the flesh using an ice cream scoop or spoon, leaving the edges intact to form boats.
Step 8: Fill and Top
Spoon the beef filling into each potato boat, pressing down gently. Top generously with grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 9: Final Bake
Return to oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 10: Prepare the Salad
While potatoes bake, combine diced tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion slices, and chopped dill in a bowl. Add crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives. Season with salt, oregano, and olive oil. Mix well.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 3 people (6 potato boats)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
Why This Recipe is Healthy
These stuffed potato boats provide a well-balanced meal packed with nutrients from multiple food groups. Potatoes are excellent sources of potassium, vitamin C, and B6, supporting nervous system function and blood pressure regulation. The ground beef delivers high-quality protein and iron for energy and muscle health.
Bell peppers contribute more vitamin C than oranges, along with carotenoids for healthy skin and vision. Cilantro and dill provide antioxidants and support detoxification, while the fresh salad adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Greek yogurt in the egg mixture offers probiotics for digestive health, and the combination of vegetables ensures you’re getting a variety of essential nutrients in one satisfying meal.