Description
Taco Potatoes offer a delicious and hearty twist on the classic baked potato, loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings like sour cream, lettuce, and tomato. This easy-to-make dish brings all the vibrant flavors of a taco into a comforting baked potato, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Fully customizable and budget-friendly, it’s ideal for feeding family or friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Meat
- 500g ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- â…” cup water
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 diced tomato
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly scrub the russet potatoes and prick each several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil to ensure a crispy skin, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook the taco meat: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and â…” cup of water, then simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- Assemble the potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked, carefully slice each open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork and season lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon the seasoned taco meat generously over each potato.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the loaded potatoes. Return them to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Finish with toppings: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top with sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced green onions, and cilantro as desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter or vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or black beans.
- Try sweet potatoes instead of russet for a different flavor profile.
- Enhance flavor with hot sauce or creamy slices of avocado as additional toppings.
