Name: Stuffed Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Fillings
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for topping; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping; Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, green onions, jalapenos

Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Is there anything more comforting and satisfying than a perfectly baked potato, loaded with delicious fillings? I think not! This humble dish transforms into a culinary masterpiece with just a little creativity, offering a hearty and customizable meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

The baked potato itself has a fascinating history, evolving from a simple peasant food to a beloved staple around the world. While its exact origins are debated, the potato's journey from South America to Europe and beyond is a testament to its versatility and adaptability. Over time, different cultures have embraced the baked potato, adding their own unique twists and toppings, leading to the endless variations we enjoy today.

What makes stuffed baked potatoes so universally appealing? It's the combination of textures and flavors, of course! The fluffy, tender potato provides the perfect base for a symphony of savory fillings. From crispy bacon and melted cheese to tangy sour cream and fresh chives, the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, they're incredibly convenient! You can prep the potatoes ahead of time and simply bake them when you're ready to eat. And let's be honest, who can resist that warm, comforting feeling that comes with digging into a loaded baked potato? Get ready to elevate your potato game with this easy and delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for topping
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, green onions, jalapenos

Preparing the Potatoes:

Alright, let's get started with the foundation of our stuffed baked potatoes – the potatoes themselves! This is a crucial step, so pay attention to the details to ensure perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the potatoes until they are soft and tender. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the potatoes in.
Prepare the potatoes for baking. Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. We want to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Rub the potatoes with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help the skin crisp up nicely in the oven and add flavor.
Pierce the potatoes with a fork. Use a fork to pierce each potato several times. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from exploding in the oven. Trust me, you don't want that mess!
Bake the potatoes. Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork and feel soft when squeezed gently. The baking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes.
Let the potatoes cool slightly. Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to handle when you scoop out the flesh.

Making the Beef Filling:

Now, while the potatoes are baking, let's get started on the delicious beef filling. This is where we'll pack in all the flavor and make these stuffed potatoes truly irresistible.

Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the vegetables. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be translucent and the peppers slightly tender.
Add the beans, corn, and tomatoes. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Season the filling. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Simmer the filling. Reduce the heat to low and let the filling simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Preparing the Potato Filling:

With the beef filling simmering away, it's time to prepare the potato filling. This step involves scooping out the potato flesh and mixing it with some key ingredients to create a creamy and flavorful base for our stuffed potatoes.

Cut the baked potatoes in half. Carefully cut each baked potato in half lengthwise. Be careful, as the potatoes will still be hot.
Scoop out the potato flesh. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh from each potato half, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin to maintain its shape. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a large bowl.
Mash the potato flesh. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potato flesh until it is smooth and creamy.
Add cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Add ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of sour cream, the remaining ½ teaspoon of sea salt, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro to the mashed potato flesh. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Assembling the Stuffed Baked Potatoes:

Now for the fun part – assembling our stuffed baked potatoes! This is where all our hard work comes together to create a truly satisfying and delicious meal.

Fill the potato skins. Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins, dividing it evenly among the eight potato halves.
Top with beef filling. Spoon the beef filling over the mashed potato mixture in each potato skin, again dividing it evenly.
Add the remaining cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef filling.

Baking the Stuffed Potatoes (Optional):

While you can serve the stuffed potatoes as is at this point, baking them for a few minutes will melt the cheese and warm everything through, making them even more delicious. This step is optional, but highly recommended!

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If you turned off your oven after baking the potatoes, preheat it again to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the stuffed potatoes. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.

Serving and Topping:

Finally, it's time to serve and enjoy your amazing stuffed baked potatoes! Don't forget the toppings – they add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Garnish with toppings. Remove the stuffed baked potatoes from the oven and garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, jalapenos, and extra cilantro.
Serve immediately. Serve the stuffed baked potatoes immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Enjoy your delicious and satisfying stuffed baked potatoes! They're perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party, or any occasion where you want a hearty and flavorful meal.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These aren't just any baked potatoes; they're Stuffed Baked Potatoes elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly versatile meal. Forget those bland, boring baked potatoes of the past. This recipe transforms a simple spud into a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Why is it a must-try? Because it's incredibly easy to customize to your own tastes! The base recipe is fantastic as is, but the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients lurking in your fridge. Think about it: leftover grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, crumbled bacon – all perfect candidates for stuffing these beauties. It's a win-win: delicious food and less food waste! But beyond the customization, it's the sheer comfort factor that makes these Stuffed Baked Potatoes so special. There's something incredibly satisfying about digging into a warm, fluffy potato overflowing with savory fillings. It's the perfect weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing side dish for a barbecue, or even a hearty lunch. Speaking of serving suggestions, the options are vast! For a complete meal, serve these alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. If you're looking for variations, consider swapping the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra kick. Vegetarian? No problem! Load them up with black beans, corn, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. For a truly decadent experience, try adding some pulled pork or brisket. And for those watching their carbs, you can even use sweet potatoes as a base for a slightly sweeter and healthier twist. Another great variation is to use different herbs and spices. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, while a pinch of cayenne pepper brings the heat. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill can also elevate the flavor profile. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination! I've made these Stuffed Baked Potatoes countless times, and each time I tweak the recipe slightly based on what I have on hand and what I'm craving. That's the beauty of this recipe – it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, grab some potatoes, and get stuffing! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe. Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below! I'd love to hear about your favorite variations, any tips or tricks you discovered, and how much your family enjoyed them. Did you add a special ingredient that took it over the top? Did you try a different cheese or protein? Let me know! Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy these amazing Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Happy cooking!