Stuffed potatoes

Delicious recipe for stuffed potatoes with meat and rice

If you are looking for a recipe that is not only tasty but also comforting and brings a touch of nostalgia to every meal, stuffed potatoes with meat and rice are the perfect choice. This dish is a wonderful combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients that can transform an ordinary meal into a savory feast.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes
- 250 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- ½ bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 g cheese (preferably feta or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon curry (optional but recommended for a distinct flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons rice
- 1 egg

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing the potatoes. Choose potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly. Wash them well, then cut them in half lengthwise. Place the halves on a baking tray, cut side up.

Step 2: Baking the potatoes
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the potatoes inside for 30 minutes. They are ready when a fork easily pierces them, but remember not to cook them completely, as they will go back in the oven after being filled.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
While the potatoes are baking, chop the onion and bell pepper into small cubes. In a frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing over medium heat until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground meat, seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, and curry. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until the meat is well browned.

Once the meat is cooked, add the cooked rice and mix well. Turn off the heat and add the beaten egg, stirring quickly to incorporate all the ingredients.

Step 4: Preparing the potatoes for filling
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Using a teaspoon or knife, carefully scoop out the insides of the potatoes, leaving a thin edge to prevent them from falling apart. The scooped-out flesh is added to the meat and rice mixture, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous filling.

Step 5: Filling the potatoes
Fill each potato half with the meat mixture, pressing gently to secure it. After filling all the potatoes, drizzle a tablespoon of oil over them to give them a golden and delicious crust.

Step 6: Final baking
Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes until they become golden. In the last 5 minutes, remove the potatoes, add a slice of cheese on top of each half, and continue baking until the cheese melts and becomes slightly browned.

Step 7: Preparing the sauce
Meanwhile, prepare a delicious sauce that will perfectly complement the stuffed potatoes. In a small pot, mix a tablespoon of flour with ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of tomato paste. Add salt and a teaspoon of sugar to taste, to balance the acidity. Simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.

Serving
Remove the potatoes from the oven and place them on plates. Pour the sauce over them and, if desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor. These stuffed potatoes are fantastic served alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips and useful advice
- You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like grated carrots or frozen peas.
- If you want a more intense flavor, experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta.
- This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegetarian by replacing the meat with sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I prepare the stuffed potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and fill the potatoes before baking them.

2. What type of sauce can I use?
Besides tomato sauce, a delicious option is garlic yogurt sauce or a cheese sauce.

3. How long can the stuffed potatoes be stored in the fridge?
Stuffed potatoes can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.

These stuffed potatoes with meat and rice are not just a comforting meal but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories with loved ones. So gather the family around the table, savor each bite, and enjoy the delights of this simple and tasty dish!