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:

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.

2. Cooking the Ground Meat: Add the 350 grams of ground meat to the pan. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces, ensuring even cooking. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Seasoning the Filling: Season the meat with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add the minced garlic cloves and stir well. The garlic adds a robust flavor, while the paprika adds a smoky depth to the meat mixture.

4. Adding Freshness: Stir in the chopped parsley to taste. The fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the meat.

Creating the Sauce

1. Making the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 50 milliliters of water until smooth. This sauce will be used to add moisture and enhance the flavor of the stuffed potatoes.

Assembling the Stuffed Potatoes

1. Hollowing the Baked Potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center of each potato, creating a cavity for the filling. Be careful not to scoop too much and break the potato shell.

2. Filling the Potatoes: Spoon the prepared ground meat mixture into each hollowed potato, packing it tightly to ensure a generous filling. This step is crucial for achieving a hearty and satisfying dish.

3. Adding Cheese: Top each filled potato with grated mozzarella cheese. For an extra cheesy twist, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese will melt and create a delicious crust when baked.

Final Baking and Serving

1. Adding the Sauce: Drizzle the prepared tomato sauce mixture over the stuffed potatoes. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the potatoes moist during the final baking.

2. Final Bake: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The final baking step melds all the flavors together and creates a beautiful, golden top.

3. Serving the Stuffed Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

These stuffed potatoes with ground meat are a versatile and delicious meal, perfect for any occasion. They are easy to prepare, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Enjoy them as a main dish or a hearty side, and savor the blend of flavors and textures that make this dish truly special.