Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • 3 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil), plus more for drizzling
  • Salt
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
  • Black pepper
  • 1 pound ground sirloin
  • 1/2 pound button or cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons spicy brown or Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 400F.
  • On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the potatoes with a hearty drizzle of EVOO and some salt.
  • Bake until tender, about 1 hour, then let cool.
  • Turn off the oven and switch on the broiler.
  • While the potatoes cool, heat 1 tablespoon of the EVOO in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the bell pepper and half of the onions and saute to soften for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  • When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a thin top slice off each potato.
  • In a mixing bowl add the bell pepper and onion mixture, the sour cream, smoked paprika, half of the Gouda, salt, and pepper.
  • Scoop in the potato flesh and mash to combine.
  • Reserve.
  • Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of EVOO.
  • Add the ground sirloin to the pan and brown for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the lumps.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until they start to turn golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes more.
  • Add the remaining onions and the garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Push all of the ingredients to the edges of the pan and add the butter to the middle of the skillet.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the stock, mustard, soy sauce, and Worcestershire.
  • Bring up to a bubble, combine with the meat mixture, adjust the salt and pepper, and simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Fill the potato shells with the beef and veggie mixture, then top each of them with the reserved mashed potatoes.
  • Transfer to a baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  • Pop the potatoes under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown, a minute or two.