1Bake the potatoes — Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub and dry the potatoes, then place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
2Brown the beef — While the potatoes bake, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
3Cool the potatoes — Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
4Scoop the potatoes — Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop the insides into a large bowl. Season the potato skins with a little salt and pepper and return them to the oven while you make the filling.
5Mash the filling — Add melted butter, sour cream, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese to the potatoes. Mash to your desired texture, then fold in the cooked ground beef.
6Fill the skins — Spoon the filling back into the potato skins. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
7Bake the potatoes — Bake for another 15 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.