Loaded Baked Potato Skins with Seasoned Ground Beef
These irresistible potato skins begin with perfectly baked potatoes, scooped out and then fried or baked until golden and crispy. They are then loaded with a creamy mixture of the reserved potato pulp, deliciously seasoned ground beef, and a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, baked until bubbly and topped with fresh green chives. They're a crowd-pleaser for any gathering, especially in the colder months.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean, pat dry, and rub each with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Bake directly on the oven rack for 50-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let cool slightly.
- 2Once cooled enough to handle, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Reserve the pulp in a bowl. Brush both sides of the potato skins with melted butter. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. In the bowl with the reserved pulp, mash it with sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 3In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly into each potato skin. Top with a generous layer of the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- 5Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato skins are heated through. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 6Garnish with fresh chopped chives before serving hot.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes and scoop out the pulp a day in advance. Store the skins and pulp separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to customize! Chopped green onions, a dollop of extra sour cream, or a sprinkle of a different cheese like Monterey Jack would be delicious.
How do I ensure crispy potato skins?
Brushing the skins with butter or oil before the second bake and ensuring they are in a single layer on the baking sheet helps achieve crispiness. Broiling for the last few minutes is also effective.
What others say
No ratings yet
Be the first to rate this recipe and share your feedback.
Rate Recipe!
RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.
