Meat-Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes

Meat-Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Large potatoes: 4 (russet potatoes work well)
• Ground beef or pork: 1/2 pound (225g)
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot: 1, diced
• Red bell pepper: 1/2, diced
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Shredded cheese: 1 cup (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Milk or cream: 1/4 cup
• Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bake the potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes and prick them a few times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and a little salt.
   • Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly.
2. Prepare the filling:
   • While the potatoes are baking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the ground beef or pork to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and the mixture is thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Hollow out the potatoes:
   • Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl.
4. Make the potato mixture:
   • Mash the scooped-out potato flesh with butter and milk or cream until smooth. Stir in a handful of shredded cheese and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff the potatoes:
   • Spoon the meat mixture into the hollowed-out potato skins, pressing it down slightly. Top each potato with a generous amount of the mashed potato mixture.
   • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each potato.
6. Bake again:
   • Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve the stuffed potatoes hot, and enjoy this hearty and comforting dish!

These meat-stuffed twice-baked potatoes are perfect as a main course or a substantial side dish. They are customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or spices to the filling. Enjoy!