Beef and Potato Boats

• large baking potatoes↗2 2
• slices bacon↗4 4
• lb ground beef↗1⁄2 1⁄2
• green onions, trimmed and sliced↗3 3
• teaspoons salt, divided↗1 1⁄2 1 1⁄2
• cup sour cream↗1⁄2 1⁄2
• tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine↗2 2
• cup milk↗1⁄4 1⁄4
• cup cheddar cheese, grated↗1⁄4 1⁄4

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Bake potatoes at 400° for 1 hour or until tender.

2. 2

   Sauté bacon until crisp, drain on paper towel, then crumble. Drain pan.

3. 3

   Mix beef lightly with onions. Shape into large patty in same pan, brown 5 minutes on each side, then break up into small chunks.

4. 4

   Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, sour cream and crumbled bacon. Remove from heat.

5. 5

   Split baked potatoes in half; scoop out centers into a small pan, being careful not to break shells.

6. 6

   Place shells in a shallow baking dish or pan.

7. 7

   Mash potato centers; beat in remaining salt, butter or margarine and just enough milk to make them creamy, stiff.

8. 8

   Spoon beef mixture into shells, dividing evenly.

9. 9

   Top with mashed potatoes, sprinkle with cheese.

10. 10

    Bake in 400° oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly hot.