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Beef Sausage Loaded Baked Potatoes with Cheese

Indulge in these Beef Sausage Loaded Baked Potatoes with Cheese, where savory sausage meets creamy cheese in a fluffy potato shell. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 1012 oz each)
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb (450g) beef sausages (preferably spicy or herbed)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh chives or green onions
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your potatoes bake evenly and reach that perfect fluffy texture.
  2. Prep the potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel, then pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
  3. Bake the potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. The skin should be crispy and a rich golden brown.
  4. Cook the filling: While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausages from their casings and crumble them into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through.
  5. Add vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika, oregano, and chili flakes, cooking for another minute. Remove from heat.
  6. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste. Gradually add the whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Assemble the potatoes: Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out a little of the flesh to create space for the filling. Mix the scooped-out potato with the sausage mixture and a portion of the cheese sauce.
  8. Fill the potatoes: Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture back into each potato half. Drizzle with additional cheese sauce if desired, then return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for 10 minutes to heat through.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Using high-quality beef sausages enhances flavor and texture. Bake the potatoes until completely tender for the best results. For a smoother cheese sauce, whisk continuously while adding milk slowly.