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Comforting Sloppy Joe Baked Potato Boats

sloppy joe baked potato boats - featured image
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A cozy and easy recipe combining classic sloppy joe filling with baked russet potatoes, topped with sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes, then pierce each a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
  2. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 45-55 minutes until a fork slides easily into the center and the skin feels crisp.
  3. While potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning the garlic.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  6. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more ketchup or a pinch of vinegar for tanginess if desired.
  7. Once potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, cut each in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully hollow out the center, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell.
  8. Mix a couple of tablespoons of the scooped potato back into the sloppy joe filling to add creaminess and help the filling stick together.
  9. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously into each potato shell. Top each with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  10. Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
  11. Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Microwaving potatoes for 6-8 minutes before baking can speed up cooking and help achieve crispier skin. Let sloppy joe filling cool slightly before stuffing to ensure even cheese melting. Simmer sauce longer if too watery to avoid soggy boats. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. For a crispier skin, broil potatoes for 5 minutes after baking before stuffing.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joe, baked potato boats, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy potatoes, ground beef recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://evabake.com/comforting-sloppy-joe-baked-potato-boats-recipe-easy-and-delicious/