Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika or chili powder (optional for spice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Bake the potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes, prick with a fork, and bake for about 45–60 minutes until tender.
2. Cook the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until beef is browned.
3. Prepare potatoes: Once baked, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the inside into a bowl, leaving a small border of potato inside the skin.
4. Mix filling: Mash the scooped-out potato with a little butter or sour cream. Stir in the cooked beef mixture and 1 cup shredded cheese.
5. Stuff potatoes: Fill each potato skin with the beef mixture. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
6. Bake again: Return stuffed potatoes to the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese melts and tops are golden.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Would you like me to make this extra creamy (with cream cheese or béchamel in the filling) or keep it simple and hearty like above?