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As the school year begins, parents often find themselves in a whirlwind of activity, navigating homework, extracurriculars, and, of course, preparing healthy and satisfying dinners. You want meals that are not only delicious and nutritious but also quick and easy to make. One of our family favorites that meets all these criteria is Barbecue Loaded Potatoes. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight while still being hearty enough to satisfy growing appetites.

Why Barbecue Loaded Potatoes?

Barbecue Loaded Potatoes are a versatile and customizable dinner option that appeals to both kids and adults. They capitalizes on the comforting, warm goodness of baked potatoes, combined with the smoky, rich flavors of barbecue. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table, but it also allows for creativity. Your family can choose their own toppings, making it a fun, interactive meal that everyone can enjoy.

Cooking Tip: Simplicity Meets Flavor

The essence of this dish lies in its simplicity. The meat is seasoned minimally – just a bit of salt and pepper – which opens the door for various flavors from toppings. Each family member can customize their potato with their preferred cheese and barbecue sauce, fostering a sense of ownership over their meal. This aspect is particularly beneficial for picky eaters or children who like to engage in dinner preparation.

Ingredients

• 6 potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 1 lb of ground pork or ground beef
• ½ a chopped yellow onion
• 1 clove of garlic, pressed
• Canola oil for rubbing potatoes
• Butter for inside the potatoes
• Salt and Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Shredded cheese of choice
• Barbecue sauce of choice

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for baking the potatoes, ensuring they cook through without burning.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Take your clean potatoes and rub them lightly with canola oil. This not only adds flavor but helps the skins crisp up beautifully in the oven. Poke the tops of the potatoes a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Sprinkle some salt over them for added flavor and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the Potatoes: Toss the potatoes into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. The goal is to have tender potatoes that can be easily opened and filled.
4. Cook the Meat: While the potatoes bake, you can start preparing the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground pork or beef. Be sure to drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too heavy. Once browned, add in the pressed garlic and chopped onion. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You could also add a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra depth of flavor.
5. Assemble the Potatoes: When the potatoes are finished baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Cut each potato in half and gently squeeze the ends to open them up. Add a pat of butter to the inside of each potato, allowing it to melt and create a creamy base. Next, fill each potato with the flavorful ground meat mixture.
6. Add Cheese and Broil: Once the potatoes are filled, sprinkle your desired amount of shredded cheese over the top. Place the loaded potatoes under a low broiler for just a few minutes to melt the cheese perfectly.
7. Finish with Barbecue Sauce: After the cheese has melted, remove the potatoes from the oven and drizzle your choice of barbecue sauce over the top. The combination of smoky flavor and melted cheese will create a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Nutritional Benefits of Barbecue Loaded Potatoes

Barbecue Loaded Potatoes can serve as a wholesome meal option rich in nutrients. Here are a few key nutritional benefits:

• Potatoes: A good source of complex carbohydrates, potatoes can provide energy needed for active kids. They also contain potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, especially when the skin is left on.
• Lean Ground Meat: Using ground pork or beef provides essential protein, which is vital for muscle development in children and overall health. You can also opt for leaner cuts of meat to keep fat content lower.
• Cheese: Providing calcium and protein, cheese adds flavor and substance to the dish. Using a cheese with reduced fat can further enhance the health benefits.
• Customizable Options: You can easily adapt this dish to meet dietary restrictions or preferences. For example, use gluten-free barbecue sauce or opt for a vegetarian protein source such as black beans or lentils.

Embracing Local Ingredients

For even more beneficial aspects, consider sourcing your ingredients locally. Utilizing fresh meat and dairy products from local farmers can enhance flavor and support the community. In Arizona, numerous farmers markets are available where you can find high-quality produce and protein. Support local agriculture while enjoying the benefits of fresh ingredients!

Creative Variations

While the classic Barbecue Loaded Potatoes are a hit, you can mix things up by trying various variations:

1. Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and top with cotija cheese for a southwestern flair.
2. Buffalo Chicken Potatoes: Use shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with blue cheese, and drizzled with ranch dressing.
3. Veggie Delight: Make a vegetarian version using roasted vegetables, black beans, and a drizzle of tahini or avocado sauce.

The possibilities are endless, and each variation can be just as quick and easy to prepare.

Tips for Meal Prepping

If you’re looking to save time during hectic school weeks, consider meal prepping these loaded potatoes in advance. Here’s how:

• Bake Potatoes Ahead of Time: Bake a batch of potatoes on the weekend, store them in the fridge, and reheat them on busy nights. This can drastically reduce cooking time.
• Pre-cook the Meat: Cook the ground meat and onion mixture in advance and save it in airtight containers. When it’s time for dinner, just reheat and assemble the loaded potatoes.
• Pre-portion Toppings: Consider creating small containers with various toppings like cheese, barbecue sauce, and veggies, so your family can quickly grab what they want. This not only speeds up dinner prep but makes cleanup easier as well!

Final Thoughts

Barbecue Loaded Potatoes are an excellent option for back-to-school dinners that are quick, easy, and satisfying. With a little preparation, you can provide your family with a meal that is not only filling but also allows for creativity and personalization. Plus, support your local farmers by sourcing ingredients locally for the freshest flavors.

Whether you are trying to appease picky eaters or want a meal that can come together in a pinch, these loaded potatoes check all the boxes. So gather the family around the table, dive into these delicious potatoes, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to bring smiles all around.

For more health-related articles and wonderful recipes, you can check out the Fill Your Plate blog!

By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern