Friday, January 30, 2015

The deconstructed baked potato...

Let's talk stuffed baked potatoes.  They are good but are they really that good? All of the goodness lays on top and once you get to the middle and the bottom of the spud it is usually dry and tasteless unless of course if you are making a twice baked potato and that is a whole different recipe.  Back to the baked potato...I find the skin to be tough if cooked too long and it just falls flat in flavor.  So how to make it better?  I know how to make it better - deconstruct it and layer the flavors.  Oven roasted, crispy potatoes topped with meat and cheese and more cheese. A nice twist on an old classic and my version is so worth it and can be made as a main dish, an appetizer or a picky food at a party...fantastic food for Super Bowl XLIX!



T's Deconstructed Baked Potato

1 lb. ground beef
8 red bliss potatoes (sliced evenly)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for potatoes
1 large onion (diced)
Salt/pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1/2 bottle beer (I used Yuengling beer)
tablespoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon jalapeno flakes
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (15.5 oz.) can small white beans (rinsed and drained)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Liberally season sliced potatoes with salt/pepper and garlic powder
Coat with olive oil and toss
Lay seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a sheet pan
Bake for 1 hour

Meanwhile heat a medium pan over medium heat
Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and onions
Season with salt / pepper
Add 1/4 of the beer to onions and cook for 6-8 minutes
Add the ground beef
Season with cumin and jalapeno flakes
Add additional 1/4 cup of beer
Cook till meat is no longer pink about 10 minutes
Add tomatoes and beans
Re-season with salt/pepper
Toss all ingredients over heat to medium/low heat
Cover to cook for 10 minutes
Stir occasionally
Remove from heat and stir in desired amount of cheese

Remove potatoes from oven
Allow to cool for 2 minutes
Place potatoes in a single layer on an oven proof serving dish
Top with cheese (if desired)
Top with meat mixture
Top with additional desired amount of cheese
Place in oven for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted
Serve hot