Beef and Broccoli Potatoes

Beef and Broccoli Potatoes Recipe | Ingredients and Directions

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Beef and Broccoli Potatoes combine the heartiness of baked potatoes with the savory flavors of beef and broccoli, all topped with a creamy Alfredo and cheddar cheese sauce. This dish is a comforting, all-in-one meal that's perfect for weeknights but special enough for guests. It's a modern twist on classic ingredients, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.

History

The concept of stuffing baked potatoes has been around for decades, evolving from simple toppings like butter and sour cream to more elaborate fillings that make them a meal in themselves. The Beef and Broccoli Potatoes recipe is a relatively recent innovation, inspired by the popular beef and broccoli stir-fry dish. It reflects a fusion of American comfort food with Asian-inspired flavors, adapted for ease and convenience in home kitchens.

Ingredients

6 baking potatoes
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.5 tsp italian herb seasoning
0.5 tsp salt
1 12 oz (340 g) package broccoli slaw
1 10 oz (283 g) container alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup milk
a pinch of nutmeg
a pinch of pepper

How to prepare

Place baking potatoes on a paper towel in the microwave. Microwave on 100% power for 18 minutes or until tender. Remove potatoes, wrap each in foil, and let them stand for 5 minutes.
Heat a skillet. Brown the beef and sprinkle it with Italian herb seasoning and 0.25 tsp of salt. Add the broccoli slaw and cook until wilted.
In a bowl, whisk together the alfredo sauce, cheese, milk, and nutmeg.
Stir the sauce into the beef mixture and cook until the cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
Heat the broiler.
Unwrap the potatoes, leaving the foil in place. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise on top and push the ends to slightly open the tops. Transfer the potatoes in foil to a broiler pan. Season with 0.25 tsp of salt and a pinch of pepper.
Scoop 0.75 cup of the beef mixture into each split potato.
Sprinkle each potato with some of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Broil the potatoes until the cheese melts.
Makes 6 servings.

Variations

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For evenly cooked potatoes, choose ones that are about the same size and shape.

- Piercing the potatoes with a fork before microwaving helps to release steam and prevent them from bursting.

- Browning the beef on a high heat adds a deeper flavor to the dish.

- To keep the broccoli slaw crisp, add it to the beef near the end of its cooking time.

- Gradually whisking the milk into the Alfredo sauce helps to prevent lumps.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Beef and Broccoli Potatoes with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. For a lighter version, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular baking potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the potatoes is a quick and efficient method, but you can also bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 1 hour for a crispier skin.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the Alfredo sauce for a béchamel sauce if preferred.

- Use any type of cheese you like or have on hand in place of cheddar.

- Broccoli florets can be used instead of broccoli slaw for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef and broccoli mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it before stuffing the potatoes.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy and savory flavors of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 400 calories, making it a hearty and fulfilling meal option that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Beef and Broccoli Potatoes contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the potatoes, which are a natural and wholesome source of energy.

Fats

This dish contains about 18 grams of fat per serving, with the primary sources being the ground beef, Alfredo sauce, and cheddar cheese. Opting for lean ground beef and light Alfredo sauce can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Beef and Broccoli Potatoes are a good source of protein, providing about 25 grams per serving. The protein comes from both the beef and the cheese, making this dish particularly satisfying and muscle-friendly.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin C from the broccoli, Vitamin A from the cheese, and various B vitamins from the beef. It also provides a good amount of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (Alfredo sauce and cheese) and gluten (some Alfredo sauce brands). Always check labels if you have allergies.

Summary

Overall, Beef and Broccoli Potatoes offer a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a nutritious meal that can be adjusted to meet dietary needs.

Summary

Beef and Broccoli Potatoes is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines the comfort of baked potatoes with the rich flavors of beef and broccoli, all topped with a creamy cheese sauce. It's a nutritious meal that's easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Beef and Broccoli Potatoes. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and tattered piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe that caught my eye. The title read "Beef and Broccoli Potatoes," and my mouth watered just thinking about the delicious combination of flavors.

I had never heard of this dish before, but something about it intrigued me. The recipe was written in a familiar hand, one that I recognized as my grandmother's. She had always been an amazing cook, and I had learned so much from her over the years. I knew that this recipe must be a special one, passed down through generations of our family.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had spent in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her cook with love and care. She had always believed that food was a way to bring people together, to create memories and share stories. And I knew that this recipe for Beef and Broccoli Potatoes would be no different.

I decided to make the dish that very night, eager to taste the flavors that had been passed down to me from my grandmother. I gathered all the ingredients and got to work, following the recipe step by step. The smell of the beef cooking in the pan, the vibrant green broccoli steaming on the stove, and the comforting aroma of potatoes roasting in the oven filled my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

As the dish came together, I couldn't help but think of my grandmother and the legacy of cooking that she had left behind. I knew that she would be proud to see me carrying on the tradition, using her recipes to create meals that brought joy and comfort to those I loved. And as I took my first bite of the Beef and Broccoli Potatoes, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

The flavors were incredible, a perfect balance of savory beef, crisp broccoli, and tender potatoes. The dish was hearty and satisfying, the ultimate comfort food for a cozy winter evening. I found myself savoring each bite, feeling grateful for the gift of cooking that had been passed down to me from my grandmother.

As I finished my meal, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother looking down on me, proud of the cook I had become. I knew that she had taught me so much more than just recipes – she had instilled in me a love for food, a passion for creating dishes that brought people together, and a deep appreciation for the power of a home-cooked meal.

And as I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the leftovers, I made a promise to myself to continue learning and growing as a cook, to keep experimenting with new recipes and flavors, and to always remember the lessons that my grandmother had taught me. Because in the end, it wasn't just about the food – it was about the love and memories that went into every dish, the stories and traditions that were passed down through generations, and the joy of sharing a meal with those we hold dear.

So as I sat down to write this recipe for Beef and Broccoli Potatoes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the rich culinary heritage that I had inherited. And I knew that as long as I continued to cook with love and care, my grandmother's spirit would always be with me in the kitchen, guiding my hands and filling my heart with warmth and joy.