Transform simple baked potatoes into a hearty, satisfying meal with this easy, flavor-packed recipe! These Beef-Stuffed Baked Potatoes are loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, and a rich tomato sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners, game day feasts, or meal prep. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with cheesy beefy goodness, this dish is comfort food at its best!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
🧀 Ultra-Cheesy & Satisfying – Melty cheddar takes it over the top.
🥔 Versatile – Swap beef for turkey, beans, or veggies.
⏱ Meal-Prep Friendly – Reheats perfectly for lunches.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed clean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for crispy skins)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Beef Topping
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin (optional, for smoky depth)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Finish
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prick potatoes with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake directly on the rack (or on a tray) for 45-60 mins, until tender.
2. Cook the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, brown the beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion + garlic, cooking until soft (~3 mins).
- Stir in tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, salt & pepper. Simmer 5-10 mins until thickened.
3. Assemble & Cheese It Up!
- Slice potatoes lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through). Fluff insides with a fork.
- Stuff with beef mixture, then top with cheddar cheese.
- Return to oven for 5-10 mins to melt the cheese.
4. Garnish & Serve
- Drizzle with sour cream, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and dig in!
Pro Tips for Perfect Potatoes
🔥 Crispy Skin Secret – Skip the foil for extra-crispy skins!
🧅 Flavor Boost – Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef.
🧀 Cheese Variations – Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or feta.
🍽 Make It a Feast – Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
5 Delicious Variations
- Tex-Mex Style – Top with guacamole, salsa, and jalapeños.
- BBQ Beef – Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce + coleslaw.
- Buffalo Chicken – Use shredded chicken + buffalo sauce.
- Vegetarian – Replace beef with lentils or black beans.
- Breakfast Potatoes – Stuff with scrambled eggs + bacon.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 mins.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I prep this ahead?
- Fully assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Freeze unbaked potatoes for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
🥗 Pair With:
- Garlic green beans
- Cornbread
- Crisp garden salad
🍷 Wine Pairing: A bold Zinfandel or Malbec complements the beef.
Final Thoughts
These Beef-Stuffed Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—easy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping, this recipe delivers hearty, delicious results every time.
📌 Pin this recipe for later and tag #LivelyDish when you make it!