Devour Loaded Cheesy Potatoes with Angus Beef & Smoked Bacon vs. Homemade Loaded Cheesy Potatoes

Loaded cheesy potatoes with Angus beef and smoked bacon is the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy goodness, tender beef, and crispy bacon. Devour offers a convenient frozen version of this indulgent dish, but how does it compare to a homemade variant? In this blog post, we'll explore the taste, texture, nutritional value, and cost of each option. Plus, I'll provide a delicious homemade recipe for you to try.

Devour Loaded Cheesy Potatoes with Angus Beef & Smoked Bacon: The Ready-Made Choice

Taste and Texture: Devour's Loaded Cheesy Potatoes with Angus Beef & Smoked Bacon features tender pieces of Angus beef, crispy smoked bacon, and chunks of potatoes smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. The flavor is rich and savory, with a nice balance of creamy and smoky. The potatoes are well-cooked, and the beef is tender, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 460

• Total Fat: 26g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 1120mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 33g

• Dietary Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 4g

• Protein: 22g

Devour's Loaded Cheesy Potatoes is relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium, which can be a concern for those watching their intake of these nutrients. However, it does provide a good amount of protein.

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Homemade Loaded Cheesy Potatoes with Angus Beef & Smoked Bacon: The Fresh Alternative

Homemade Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb Angus beef, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bacon:

• 6 slices smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Season the beef pieces with salt and pepper.

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Potatoes:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.

   • Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and tender. Set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until bubbly and slightly golden.

   • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.

   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

   • In a large baking dish, combine the roasted potatoes, cooked beef, and crumbled bacon. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently stir to combine.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve:

   • Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480

• Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 900mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 38g

• Dietary Fiber: 4g

• Sugars: 5g

• Protein: 24g

The homemade version offers a slightly higher calorie count but a lower sodium content. The use of fresh ingredients ensures a healthier overall meal.

The Verdict

Taste and Texture: Devour's Loaded Cheesy Potatoes with Angus Beef & Smoked Bacon offers a convenient and flavorful option, but the homemade version excels with its fresh ingredients and customizable flavors. The homemade dish provides a richer, more satisfying texture and flavor profile.

Nutritional Value: While the homemade version is similar in calories and fat, it offers a lower sodium content and a higher protein value. The use of fresh ingredients also ensures a healthier overall meal.

Cost: Devour's offers convenience at a reasonable price, but making a homemade version can be more economical, especially when cooking for multiple people. Plus, you have control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used.

Convenience: Devour's wins for convenience, requiring just a few minutes in the microwave or oven. The homemade version takes more time and effort but rewards with superior taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.

In conclusion, if you're in a rush, Devour's Loaded Cheesy Potatoes with Angus Beef & Smoked Bacon is a decent choice. However, if you have some extra time to spare, the homemade variant offers a more flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Try the recipe above and experience the difference for yourself!