Are you craving a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation? Look no further! These cheesy beef stuffed mashed potato boats are not only incredibly delicious but also versatile and easy to make. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them at least three times a week. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients and Recipe:
For the Potato Boats:
- 3 medium-sized potatoes (about 420g)
- 600ml water
- A pinch of salt
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Dice the potatoes into small cubes.
- Add the diced potatoes to a pot filled with 600ml of water and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the potatoes for 15 minutes on medium-high heat until they are fork-tender.
For the Beef Filling:
- Olive oil
- 1/2 onion (70g), chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 200g ground beef
- 1/4 yellow pepper
- 1 tomato (90g), diced
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste
- Cook the Beef Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in diced yellow pepper and tomato, and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- 10g parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Drain the water from the cooked potatoes and transfer them to a bowl.
- Add unsalted butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth.
- Season with salt to taste and mix in chopped parsley for added flavor.
Assembly and Baking:
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- 100g cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
- Assemble the Potato Boats:
- Preheat the oven to 205°C/400°F and brush olive oil on a baking dish.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to the baking dish and flatten them with a spoon.
- Use your fingers or a spoon to create indents in the mashed potato, forming “boats” for the filling.
- Fill each indent with the cooked beef filling.
- Top each boat with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Potato Boats:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the potato boats from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, beans, or diced tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables such as diced carrots, peas, or corn to the beef filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss to change up the flavor profile of the potato boats.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, omit the potatoes and replace them with mashed cauliflower or mashed turnips. Use full-fat cheese and adjust the seasoning to fit your keto macros.
- Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of potato used in the recipe or replace it with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Stick to low-carb vegetables for the filling and choose a cheese with lower lactose content.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make these potato boats ahead of time and reheat them later? A: Yes, you can assemble the potato boats ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Q: Can I freeze these potato boats for later? A: While it’s best to enjoy these potato boats fresh, you can freeze them after baking. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat, bake them in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this recipe. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit the flavor of the poultry.
Q: Can I add other toppings to these potato boats? A: Yes, you can get creative with the toppings! Try adding cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make these potato boats dairy-free? A: Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace the butter with a non-dairy spread or olive oil for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
In conclusion, these cheesy beef stuffed mashed potato boats are a true crowd-pleaser that will have you coming back for more. With their flavorful beef filling, creamy mashed potato topping, and gooey melted cheese, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, these potato boats are a delicious and satisfying meal option. Give them a try and elevate your comfort food game today!
