This Crispy Loaded Cheeseburger Potato brings comfort and flavor together in one easy pan. You get tender baked potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese in every bite. Because this recipe uses simple pantry staples, it fits right into your list of quick dinner ideas. Even better, it turns basic ingredients into one of the most satisfying ground beef dishes you can serve on a busy night.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
- Crispy potato skins with soft fluffy centers for the perfect texture contrast.
- Seasoned ground beef that tastes just like a classic cheeseburger.
- Plenty of melted cheese for that gooey loaded finish.
- Easy prep and simple steps that make it one of the best easy meals with ground beef.
Ingredient Breakdown
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that work together for bold flavor. Since each layer matters, choose fresh and simple items. As a result, your Crispy Loaded Cheeseburger Potato will taste rich and balanced.
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for rubbing potatoes
- Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped parsley, sour cream
How to Make It
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, then place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake the potatoes for 45 to 55 minutes until fork tender and the skins feel crisp.
- While the potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
Cook
- Cook the ground beef for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and carefully slice them open down the center.
Finish and Serve
- Scoop and fluff the inside of each potato slightly with a fork to create space for the filling.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture generously into each potato.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until melted.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve the Crispy Loaded Cheeseburger Potato warm.
Time Saving Options
Busy evenings call for smart shortcuts. Since this recipe already ranks high among lazy dinners, you can make it even easier with a few simple changes. That way, dinner ideas with ground beef stay stress free and delicious.
- Microwave the potatoes for 8 to 10 minutes before finishing in the oven to crisp the skins.
- Use pre shredded cheese to save prep time.
- Cook the ground beef mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- If you enjoy hearty casseroles, explore this comforting family style beef casserole collection for more make ahead inspiration.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best things to do with ground beef is to change the flavor profile. Because this base recipe is simple, you can adjust it easily. As a result, your Crispy Loaded Cheeseburger Potato never feels boring.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky cheeseburger twist.
- Mix in diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for gentle heat.
- Turn it into one of your favorite ground beef casserole recipes by layering everything in a baking dish and baking until bubbly.
Crispy Loaded Cheeseburger Potato
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rub each potato with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until fork tender and crispy on the outside.
- While the potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Slice the baked potatoes open and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
- Fill each potato with the seasoned ground beef mixture, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until melted.
- Add optional toppings as desired and serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use Yukon gold or even sweet potatoes if you prefer. However, russet potatoes work best because they have sturdy skins that crisp nicely in the oven. Their fluffy inside also holds the seasoned ground beef well. If you want that true Crispy Loaded Cheeseburger Potato texture, stick with larger baking potatoes. Still, feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat, place them in a 350 degree F oven for 10 to 15 minutes so the skins crisp again. Although the microwave works in a pinch, the oven keeps the texture better. Because this recipe is one of those reliable recipes using ground beef, it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Can I make this recipe ahead for busy nights?
Absolutely. You can bake the potatoes and cook the ground beef mixture earlier in the day. Then store them separately in the refrigerator. When dinner time comes, assemble and bake until the cheese melts. This simple prep makes it one of the most practical things to make with ground beef for meal planning. As a result, you always have a warm and filling option ready.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Loaded Cheeseburger Potato proves that simple ingredients create big comfort. Because it combines crispy potatoes with seasoned beef and melted cheese, it quickly becomes a family favorite. Whether you need quick dinner ideas or fresh ground hamburger recipes, this dish delivers every time. Keep it in your rotation, and you will always have a reliable meal that feels hearty, warm, and homemade.