A Happy Accident
I first made these by mistake. I had leftover burger filling and some baked potatoes. My grandson said, Grandma, put them together! So I did. I still laugh at that. It turned into our new favorite dinner.
This matters because the best meals often come from happy little kitchen accidents. It is about using what you have. It makes cooking feel like a fun adventure, not a chore. What is your favorite happy accident meal you have created?
The Perfect Potato
Picking the right potato is key. You want big, sturdy baking potatoes. They have thick skins that hold their shape. Rub them with oil and salt before baking.
This makes the skin crispy and delicious. Doesnt that smell amazing? The salt draws out the moisture. This makes the inside so fluffy and light. It is the best part.
The Hearty Filling
The beef and onion filling is like a cookout in a pan. You brown the meat until it is not pink. Then you add the ketchup and mustard. It sizzles and smells so good.
Fun fact: Adding a bit of pickle juice to the meat is a secret trick some folks use. It gives it a little zing! Do you like ketchup or mustard more on your burger?
Putting It All Together
Now for the fun part. You scoop the soft potato out. Be gentle so you do not tear the skin. Then you mix that potato with butter and cream. It becomes so creamy.
You put that fluff back in the shell. Then you add the meat and lots of cheese. This matters because sharing the assembly job makes everyone feel helpful. It is a family activity.
The Grand Finale
The last bake makes everything warm and bubbly. The cheese melts into the meat. The potato gets a little toasty. Then you add the fresh tomatoes and pickles on top.
The cool, crunchy pickles are the perfect finish. They cut through the richness. It is a perfect bite. What is your favorite topping to put on a cheeseburger? I would love to know.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baking potatoes | 8 | washed |
| Canola oil | 3 tablespoons | |
| Kosher salt | 1 tablespoon | for potatoes |
| Ground beef | 2 pounds | |
| Yellow onion | ½ cup (80 g) | finely diced |
| Ketchup | 1 cup (240 g) | |
| Yellow mustard | 2 tablespoons | |
| Hamburger seasoning | 2 tablespoons | |
| Seasoned salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | for filling |
| Heavy whipping cream | ½ cup (119 g) | |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) | |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | for mashed potatoes |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | for mashed potatoes |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup (113 g) | shredded, divided |
| Dill pickles | ½ cup | diced for garnish |
| Tomatoes | diced for garnish |
My Cheeseburger Twice-Baked Potato Supper
Hello, my dear! Let’s make a supper that feels like a big hug. These potatoes are a fun mash-up of two favorite foods. My grandson invented this recipe one rainy afternoon. We were so proud of our messy kitchen creation. I still laugh at that.
It’s like a cheeseburger decided to hide inside a fluffy baked potato. The smell will make your whole house feel cozy and warm. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Let’s get our hands busy and make some memories together.
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
First, we need to bake our potatoes. Scrub them clean, just like you would a good carrot. Poke each one a few times with a fork so they don’t get too steamy. Rub them with oil and a good sprinkle of salt. This makes the skins so yummy. (My hard-learned tip: place a baking sheet on the rack below. It catches any drips!)
Step 2: Make the Cheeseburger Filling
Now for the cheeseburger part! Brown the beef and onions in a big skillet. I love the sizzling sound it makes. Drain the extra grease away. Then stir in the ketchup, mustard, and all those good seasonings. It will look and smell just like a cookout. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Potato Shells
Time to make the potato shells. Slice the top off each baked potato. Be careful, they’re hot! Scoop out the soft inside into a bowl. Leave a sturdy wall so your potato boat doesn’t sink. This part is my favorite. It feels like you’re carving a little cave.
Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Let’s make the mashed potatoes. To the potato in the bowl, add cream, butter, and cheese. Mash it all together until it’s smooth. I use my old wooden masher for this. It makes the potatoes so creamy and dreamy. Do you like smooth or lumpy mashed potatoes? Share below!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Now for the fun part! Fill each potato shell with the mashed potato mixture. Then, spoon that yummy cheeseburger filling on top. Finish with a big handful of shredded cheese. Pop them back in the oven until the cheese is all bubbly. I always watch through the oven window.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
The final touch is the toppings! Sprinkle on some fresh, crunchy pickles and tomatoes. This makes it taste so bright and happy. It’s the perfect bite. Now, serve them up warm and watch everyone smile.
| Cook Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Yield | 8 servings |
| Category | Dinner, Main Course |
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is wonderful just as it is. But you can also play with it! Here are some ideas my family loves. They make it feel like a brand-new meal every time.
The Pizza Lover’s Swap
Use pizza sauce instead of ketchup. Add some pepperoni and mozzarella cheese on top.
The Veggie Delight
Skip the beef. Use finely chopped mushrooms and carrots. They get so savory and delicious.
The Bacon BBQ Boost
Mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon. Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of ketchup.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
These potatoes are a full meal on their own. But a simple side salad makes it perfect. The crisp greens are so nice with the rich potato. You could also serve some steamed green beans on the side.
For a drink, a cold glass of milk is always a classic. It cools everything down so nicely. For the grown-ups, a frosty lager beer is a wonderful match. It tastes just like a backyard barbecue.
Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Twice-Baked Potatoes Happy
Let’s talk about storing these tasty potatoes. They keep well in the fridge for three days. Just wrap them tight or put them in a container.
You can freeze them for a later meal too. I freeze them before the second bake. This keeps the potato shell from getting soggy.
I once reheated one straight from the freezer. The middle was still cold! Now I let it thaw in the fridge first. Then I warm it in the oven until bubbly.
This matters because a good meal should be easy later. Batch cooking saves you time on a busy night. It is like a gift from your past self.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Easy Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Sometimes the potato skin tears when you scoop. Do not worry. Just patch it with mashed potato. It bakes together perfectly.
If your filling seems dry, add a splash more cream. I remember when my first batch was too thick. A little extra liquid made it creamy again.
Is your cheese not browning? Pop them under the broiler for one minute. Watch them closely so they do not burn. This small step makes them look so nice.
Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the final dish taste so much better. Every cook learns by doing.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Cheeseburger Potato Questions, Answered
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It should be, but check your hamburger seasoning label to be sure.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble them a day early. Keep them covered in your fridge.
Q: What if I do not have heavy cream?
A: Whole milk or sour cream will work just fine. *Fun fact: My grandpa always used buttermilk for a tangy twist.*
Q: Can I make a smaller batch?
A: Of course. Just use two potatoes and divide the other ingredients by four.
Q: Are the toppings optional?
A: Yes, but the pickles add a nice crunch. Use what your family likes best.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this recipe brings joy to your table. It is a fun twist on two classics. My family always cheers when I make it.
I would love to see your creation. It makes me so happy to see your meals. Sharing food is a way of sharing love.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Cheeseburger Twice Baked Potatoes
Description
A fun and hearty twist on two classics! Creamy twice-baked potatoes are stuffed with a savory cheeseburger filling and topped with melty cheddar, pickles, and tomatoes.
Ingredients
Baking Potatoes:
Cheeseburger Filling:
Mashed Potato Mixture:
Toppings:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pierce each several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with canola oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are fork-tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- While the potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onions and cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, hamburger seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Mix well and let it simmer over low heat for 3–4 minutes, until warmed through and well combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Use a knife to slice the tops off each potato lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the center of the potato and place it into a large mixing bowl, leaving a sturdy shell intact. Be very careful not to tear the potato skin. Place the hollowed-out potato shells on a baking sheet.
- To the bowl of potato flesh, add heavy whipping cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly into the potato shells.
- Top each one with about ½ cup of the cheeseburger filling. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tops.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. For a golden bubbly top, broil for an extra 1–2 minutes, watching carefully. Garnish with the diced dill pickles and fresh tomatoes. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier potato skin, you can rub the oil and salt on the potatoes and bake them directly on the oven rack. Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite burger fixings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of special sauce.