Bacon Cheeseburger Twice-Baked Idaho Potatoes

Short Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Twice-Baked Idaho Potatoes combine all the hearty, savory elements of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of a baked potato. Filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy bacon, these loaded potato boats are perfect as a main course or indulgent side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultimate Comfort Food: Combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy mashed potatoes.

Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, game days, or family dinners.

Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings for a personalized twist.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Perfect Use for Leftovers: Great way to use extra ground beef or baked potatoes.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 large Idaho potatoes

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)

Optional toppings: pickles, lettuce, or more bacon

Directions
Prepare the Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pierce them a few times with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender. Allow to cool slightly.

Cook the Ground Beef:
While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

Season the Beef:
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Scoop the Potatoes:
Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin. Mash the scooped potato in a large bowl.

Make the Filling:
To the mashed potato, add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and the beef mixture. Mix well and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Stuff the Potatoes:
Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, dividing it evenly. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet.

Final Bake:
Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tops are golden.

Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives. Add optional toppings like pickles or lettuce before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 halves (4 full potatoes)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including baking time)

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations
Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for heat.

Veggie Additions: Mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture.

Lighter Option: Use ground turkey and Greek yogurt in place of beef and sour cream.

Mini Version: Use smaller potatoes for appetizer-sized portions.

Extra Crunch: Top with crushed onions or seasoned breadcrumbs before the final bake.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual stuffed potatoes in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes per half, though the texture may soften.

FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, russet or baking potatoes work best due to their size and sturdy skins, but any large starchy potato will suffice.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and stuff the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving.

Are these good for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. Just wrap them individually and reheat in the oven when needed.

Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, if you have leftover cooked ground beef, simply warm it and mix with the seasonings before combining with the potato.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and mozzarella offer a good melt and flavor balance, but you can also use Colby jack or American cheese for a cheeseburger vibe.

How do I prevent the potato skins from tearing?
Be gentle when scooping and leave a thin layer of potato flesh to help support the skin.

Can I add other burger toppings?
Definitely—try pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, or a drizzle of burger sauce on top.

What can I serve with these potatoes?
They pair well with a green salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, omit the ground beef and bacon and use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or veggie crumbles as a filling base.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
They should be easily pierced with a fork and soft inside before scooping.

Conclusion
Bacon Cheeseburger Twice-Baked Idaho Potatoes are a fun and satisfying fusion of two comfort food favorites. Whether served as a hearty main dish or an indulgent side, these cheesy, beef-stuffed potato boats bring a unique twist to the table. Perfect for casual dinners, parties, or anytime you crave big flavor with minimal fuss.

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