Description
These Stuffed Potato Stacks are a delicious and visually appealing dish featuring layers of tender baked potato slices filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and fresh spinach, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an elegant, hearty side or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Slices
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent the potato slices from sticking during baking.
- Prepare Potatoes: Toss the potato slices with melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to evenly coat them in flavor. Arrange half of the potato slices flat on the greased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until they turn slightly golden and start to soften.
- Cook Meat Mixture: Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Add the chopped spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted and well combined with the meat.
- Assemble Stacks: Remove the baked potato slices from the oven. On top of each potato slice, layer the cooked meat and spinach mixture generously, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Place another potato slice on top to form a stack.
- Bake Stacks: Return the assembled potato stacks to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top potato slices are golden brown and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish the stacks with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve the stuffed potato stacks warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor and nutritional profile.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes uniformly at 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
