Loaded Baked Potato with Spiced Ground Beef
and Cheese
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 medium-sized baking potatoes (about 200g each) - 160 calories each
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (112g) - 450 calories
- 1 pound lean ground beef (454g, 90% lean) - 800 calories
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (110g) - 44 calories
- 2 cloves garlic, minced - 8 calories
- 1 teaspoon olive oil - 40 calories
- 1 teaspoon chili powder - 6 calories
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 8 calories
- 1 teaspoon paprika - 6 calories
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - negligible calories
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - negligible calories
- 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream (120g) - 80 calories
- 2 green onions, sliced - 10 calories
Total Calories: 1662
Calories per Serving: 415.5
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
- While the potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. **Season the Ground Beef:**
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:**
- Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open them up.
- Fluff the inside of the potatoes with a fork and divide the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly among the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef-topped potatoes.
5. **Final Touches:**
- Return the potatoes to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top each potato with a dollop of low-fat sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions.
Portion Size and Calorie Count
Each serving consists of one loaded baked potato with 1/4 of the spiced ground beef mixture, approximately 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. The total calorie count per serving is approximately 415.5 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal under 500 calories.
Enjoy this delicious and balanced recipe that's perfect for a filling lunch or dinner! IT'S SO GOOD!