Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes
When you’re craving comfort food that satisfies your hunger and warms your soul, nothing hits the spot quite like stuffed baked potatoes. This recipe for cheesy beef stuffed potatoes combines fluffy russet potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese into one hearty, mouthwatering dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate—perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or a cozy dinner with family.
The great thing about stuffed potatoes is that they’re endlessly versatile. This version focuses on beef and cheese, but once you’ve mastered the technique, you can mix things up with other proteins, veggies, or flavor profiles. Let’s dive into this flavorful, satisfying meal that turns humble potatoes into a full-blown feast.
Ingredients
- For the Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
- For the Filling:
1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean)
½ cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Cheesy Goodness:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk or cream
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Why Russet Potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their high starch content and fluffy texture when baked. They form the perfect base for stuffing since they hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully. Their thicker skin also crisps up nicely in the oven, creating a satisfying contrast to the soft, cheesy filling inside.
Preparation Steps
Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a towel.
Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for about 45–60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and a fork easily pierces the center.
Once cooked, remove the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before handling.
Cook the Beef Filling:
While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease if needed, then add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 more minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Potato Shells:
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully slice each one in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the center of each potato using a spoon, leaving about a ¼-inch border to keep the skin intact.
Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a mixing bowl.
Make the Cheesy Filling:
To the bowl with the potato flesh, add the cooked beef mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk or cream.
Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and cohesive, but still hearty. Add more milk or cream if the mixture seems too thick.
Stuff and Bake Again:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture back into the hollowed-out potato shells, mounding it slightly.
Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Top each potato with a little extra cheese if desired.
Bake for another 15–20 minutes until heated through and the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot, preferably with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cheesy beef stuffed potatoes are satisfying, simple to make, and easily customizable. They deliver on flavor, texture, and presentation without requiring a long list of ingredients or advanced cooking skills. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
Hearty and filling: Thanks to the combination of starchy potatoes, rich beef, and creamy cheese, this dish is a complete meal all on its own.
Kid-friendly: With melty cheese and familiar flavors, it’s a hit for all ages.
Budget-conscious: Potatoes and ground beef are affordable staples that come together into something truly comforting and impressive.
One-dish magic: Everything gets baked and stuffed in one convenient shell, cutting down on dishes and cleanup.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the beef mixture or even the whole stuffed potatoes ahead of time. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground beef: You can use any ground meat you like. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well if you’re looking to lighten things up or go meat-free.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda can bring new depth to your filling.
Sour cream: This adds creaminess and tang, but you can substitute plain Greek yogurt if you want a healthier option.
Milk or cream: Adjust the richness to your liking. Cream yields a more indulgent texture, while milk keeps it lighter.
Herbs: Green onions add sharpness, but parsley brings freshness. Chives, thyme, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top also work wonderfully.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Potatoes
Don’t skip the olive oil and salt rub: This step helps the potato skins become deliciously crisp while baking.
Use a sturdy spoon to scoop: A metal spoon with a sharp edge makes it easier to scoop the potato flesh cleanly.
Mash the filling thoroughly: For the best texture, mash the scooped-out potato before mixing with the beef and cheese. This ensures a smooth, even consistency.
Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning in the filling before stuffing to suit your taste.
Use a cookie scoop or large spoon: This helps you pack in the filling evenly and quickly.
Serving Suggestions
While cheesy beef stuffed potatoes are great on their own, they pair well with a few simple side dishes for a more complete meal:
A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots
A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on the side
Crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up the cheesy filling
Variations to Try
Tex-Mex style: Add taco seasoning to the beef and stir in black beans and corn. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro.
BBQ twist: Mix barbecue sauce into the beef and top with sharp cheddar and crispy fried onions.
Buffalo version: Toss cooked beef in buffalo sauce, mix in blue cheese crumbles, and garnish with celery and ranch.
Mushroom & Swiss: Add sautéed mushrooms and swap the cheddar for Swiss cheese for a more savory, umami-packed version.
Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and load up on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and white beans with plenty of cheese and seasonings.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the potatoes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, though the oven keeps the texture crispier.
If making ahead, you can prep the filling and stuff the potatoes a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 500–600
This recipe provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in each portion. To reduce calories or fat, use leaner meat, low-fat cheese, or substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy beef stuffed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style. They’re hearty, flavorful, and customizable, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of tender baked potatoes, savory beef filling, and melty cheese creates a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just looking for a satisfying dinner for one, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.
The next time you’re staring at a bag of russet potatoes and wondering what to make, give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious and satisfying. One bite, and these cheesy beef stuffed potatoes are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.