Nothing says cozy comfort food quite like a hearty baked potato, and when you take that classic favorite and load it up with a delicious cowboy-inspired filling, you get a whole new level of deliciousness. These Cowboy Stuffed Spuds are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Packed with savory flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Title: Cowboy Stuffed Spuds
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the baking potatoes clean and pierce them several times with a fork. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
2. While the potatoes are baking, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Once the potatoes are done baking, carefully slice off the top of each potato lengthwise and gently scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skin to create a shell.
6. Mash the potato flesh in the bowl and combine it with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is well mixed.
7. Stuff the potato shells with the beef and vegetable mixture, mounding it on top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
8. Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the Cowboy Stuffed Spuds from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving. These loaded potatoes are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven!
These Cowboy Stuffed Spuds are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week. Customize them with your favorite toppings or serve them as is for a satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the comforting goodness of these delicious stuffed potatoes!
