If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying dish, let me introduce you to the Cheesy Stuffed Potato Stacks with Ground Beef and Spinach Recipe. This layered delight combines tender potato slices with savory, spiced ground beef and vibrant spinach, all melted together under a blanket of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty recipe that brings together freshness and indulgence in every bite, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress with something both simple and stunning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect taste, texture, and color that makes this dish shine. From the creamy potatoes to the flavorful beef and the fresh spinach, everything balances beautifully.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds: Thinly sliced for delicate stacks that cook evenly and become tender but hold their shape.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the potatoes develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior when baked.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes perfectly and bringing out their natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and enhances all the other ingredients’ flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey: Provides hearty protein and a savory foundation for the stacks.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasoning the meat ensures it’s flavorful throughout.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the meat’s richness with a bit of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces warmth and a slightly smoky undertone to the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a touch of earthiness and herbaceous flavor.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds color, freshness, and a mild, leafy bite that complements the meat perfectly.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to bind each stack irresistibly.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: A sharp, nutty accent that elevates every layer.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, bright garnish that adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Potato Stacks with Ground Beef and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking sheet. This ensures your potato stacks won’t stick and get that perfect golden crust we’re aiming for. Prepping the oven ahead is key to keeping everything flowing smoothly once you start assembling.
Step 2: Season and Bake the Potato Slices
Toss the thin potato slices gently with melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning lets their natural sweetness shine while adding buttery crispness. Arrange half of these slices on the baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until they’re slightly golden—you want them tender but still sturdy enough to hold your layers.
Step 3: Cook and Flavor the Ground Beef
While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, then drain any excess fat. Adding salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano seasons the meat and creates a tasty, aromatic filling. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach last and cook for a couple of minutes until just wilted—this step preserves the spinach’s vibrant flavor and texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Potato Stacks
Once your potato slices come out of the oven, it’s time to assemble. On half of the baked rounds, layer a generous spoonful of your spiced beef and spinach mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese atop. Cap each stack with another potato slice. This layering technique is what gives the dish its stunning visual appeal and mouthwatering texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Return your arranged stacks to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This additional baking time allows the cheese to melt gloriously and the potatoes to take on a beautiful golden-brown hue. This step transforms simple ingredients into a cohesive, hearty meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Finish your Cheesy Stuffed Potato Stacks with Ground Beef and Spinach Recipe by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a burst of color and a touch of brightness to balance the richness. Serve these stacks while they’re warm and gooey for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Potato Stacks with Ground Beef and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but you can also sprinkle some finely chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika on top to add extra flavor and color contrast. A light drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can give a pleasant creamy tang that complements the savory stacks beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t overwhelm it. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted cherry tomatoes all add refreshing elements. For a more indulgent twist, a creamy coleslaw or garlic butter sautéed mushrooms will take your meal to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, serve the potato stacks on individual plates layered with a smear of roasted red pepper sauce or pesto underneath for a pop of color and flavor. For gatherings, arrange the stacks on a large board, scattered with extra herbs and cheese for a shareable, inviting look. You can even try mini versions using smaller potatoes for appetizer-style servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the layers hold together really well, the texture stays quite pleasant when reheated. Just make sure to cover the container to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these potato stacks freeze nicely. Wrap each stack individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, which makes this recipe a great candidate for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake stacks in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven method keeps the potatoes crispier and the textures more enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness that complements the savory beef and spinach beautifully. Just be sure to slice them evenly and adjust baking time slightly since they can cook faster.
Is it okay to use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully if you prefer a leaner option. Because turkey is milder in flavor, be sure to season it well with the spices in the recipe to keep it flavorful and delicious.
Can I prepare the stacks entirely ahead of time?
You can assemble the stacks a few hours ahead or even the day before, then keep them refrigerated before baking. This makes them perfect for a make-ahead dinner. Just add the final bake step right before serving to get that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling potatoes gives the stacks a smoother texture and a more refined look, but if you love the rustic feel, leaving the skin on is fine as well. Just be sure to wash them well before slicing.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or finely chopped onions can be sautéed with the beef and spinach for added flavor and texture variety. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Cheesy Stuffed Potato Stacks with Ground Beef and Spinach Recipe, I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for cozy dinners and entertaining alike. It has that perfect mix of comfort food satisfaction and fresh, vibrant ingredients that make every bite special. So grab those potatoes and get stacking—it’s time to create something indulgent, hearty, and truly unforgettable.
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Cheesy Stuffed Potato Stacks with Ground Beef and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory Stuffed Potato Stacks featuring layers of tender baked potato rounds, seasoned ground beef or turkey, fresh spinach, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 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
Meat Mixture
- 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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to prepare for baking the potato slices.
- Bake Potato Slices: Toss the potato rounds with melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Arrange half of the potato slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until they are slightly golden and tender.
- Cook Meat Mixture: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Assemble Potato Stacks: Remove the partially baked potato slices from the oven. Layer half of these slices with a portion of the cooked meat mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Place another potato slice on top to create stacked layers.
- Final Baking: Return the assembled potato stacks to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and the potatoes turn golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the stuffed potato stacks with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils seasoned similarly.
- You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture can add a nice subtle heat.
- Make sure to slice potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and flavor.
