This recipe, passed down from my grandmother, surprised everyone at dinner. It combines tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese into a dish that’s sure to impress. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 5 large potatoes, peeled
- 500g ground beef
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- Parsley to taste
- 2 tablespoons wheat flour
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 125g mozzarella cheese, chopped into small cubes
- 25g grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
- Cook the Potatoes: Start by placing five large peeled potatoes in a saucepan. Fill the saucepan with enough water to cover the potatoes and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they are tender but still firm. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
- Mix Ground Beef: In a large bowl, combine 500g of ground beef, one whole egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, parsley to taste, and 2 tablespoons of wheat flour. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture will form the flavorful meatballs that top each potato.
Shaping the Meatballs and Preparing the Potatoes
- Shape Meatballs: Take a portion of the ground beef mixture in your hands and shape it into flat meatballs. The size should be enough to cover the top of each potato.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Cut off a small slice from one side of each cooked potato to create a flat base. Then, use a spoon to scoop out a hole in the center of each potato, creating a well for the cheese.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit of olive oil into each potato’s hole. This helps to add moisture and flavor to the dish.
Stuffing and Assembling
- Fill with Cheese: Fill each hollowed potato with approximately 25g of mozzarella cheese chopped into small cubes. The cheese will melt and create a gooey center for the potatoes.
- Top with Meatballs: Place one of the flat meatballs on top of each potato, pressing slightly to adhere. The meatball should cover the cheese-filled hole.
- Add More Olive Oil: Drizzle another bit of olive oil over the top of each meatball-topped potato. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
- Sprinkle with Grated Cheese: Finish by sprinkling 25g of grated mozzarella cheese over each potato. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, crispy topping.
Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake: Place the prepared potatoes in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure the tops do not burn. The dish is ready when the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden.
Serving
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of tender potatoes, flavorful meatballs, and gooey cheese. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips and Variations
- Seasoning Variations: Add different herbs and spices to the meatball mixture, such as oregano, thyme, or paprika, to customize the flavor.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or feta, for a unique twist.
- Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb version of this dish.
Nutritional Information
This recipe provides a balanced meal with protein from the ground beef, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and fats from the cheese and olive oil. Adjust the amounts of cheese and olive oil to manage the calorie content based on dietary preferences.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the stuffed potatoes in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture of the meat and potatoes may not be as crispy.
This stuffed potatoes with meatballs recipe, inspired by my grandmother, is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any dinner. The combination of tender potatoes, savory meatballs, and melted cheese creates a meal that’s sure to delight everyone at the table. Share this recipe with your friends and family to spread the joy of cooking. Enjoy this delicious dish, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of these stuffed potatoes, a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
