Stuffed Potatoes with Ground Meat

Cooking potatoes stuffed with ground meat is a culinary delight that combines the hearty goodness of potatoes with the rich flavors of seasoned meat. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering. The following guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step process to create this delightful meal, ensuring that your stuffed potatoes are both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients for Stuffed Potatoes
To prepare stuffed potatoes with ground meat, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredient
Quantity

Potatoes
4 large

Tomato paste
2 tablespoons

Olive oil
2 tablespoons (plus more for greasing)

Salt
To taste

Onion
1, finely chopped

Ground meat
350 grams

Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon

Paprika
1 teaspoon

Garlic
3 cloves, minced

Fresh parsley
To taste

Water
50 milliliters

Mozzarella cheese, grated
50 grams

Parmesan cheese, grated
Optional

Preparing the Potatoes
1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 356°F (180°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when the potatoes are ready to be baked.

2. Cutting the Potatoes: Take the four large potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Cut off the tops, approximately the top third, creating a lid. Use a spoon or a small knife to carefully hollow out the potatoes, leaving enough flesh to create a sturdy shell.

3. Seasoning the Potatoes: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This mixture will add a rich flavor to the potatoes. Using a kitchen brush, generously coat the inside of the potatoes with this mixture. Sprinkle a pinch of salt inside each potato for seasoning.

4. Baking the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. This baking step ensures that the potatoes are cooked through before stuffing.
Preparing the Ground Meat Filling
1. Sautéing the Onions: While the potatoes are baking, heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. This process releases the natural sweetness of the onions, which complements the ground meat.