Mini Beef & Cheese Stuffed Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

Fluffy mashed potatoes filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 45 minutes pairs large russet potatoes, ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 12 oz ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pierce potatoes all over with a fork, then microwave on high for 10-12 minutes until tender, turning halfway. Let cool slightly, then cut in half lengthwise and scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat, add onion and carrots, and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 cup milk, then simmer for 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Mash potato pulp with 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Stir 1/2 cup cheese into the meat mixture, then fill potato shells with the mixture. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.