Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potatoes
**Ingredients:**
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 small carrot, finely diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Rub each potato with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
– Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
– Once baked, let the potatoes cool slightly, then slice them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a small border around the edges. Set the scooped-out potato flesh aside in a bowl.
2. **Cook the Beef Filling:**
– While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
– Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
– Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
– Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
– If desired, you can mix some of the scooped-out potato flesh into the beef mixture to create a heartier filling.
3. **Stuff the Potatoes:**
– Fill each potato half with the beef mixture, mounding it slightly.
– Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the stuffed potatoes.
4. **Bake and Serve:**
– Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
These cheesy beef-stuffed potatoes are a satisfying and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy!