Description
Taco Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring baked russet potatoes stuffed with seasoned ground beef and topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and fresh herbs. This hearty main course combines the comfort of loaded baked potatoes with the bold and savory flavors of taco meat, making it perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean under running water, pat them dry, and prick each potato several times with a fork.
- Oil and Bake Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and lightly season with salt. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning: Add the packet of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water to the browned beef. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat evenly.
- Prepare Potatoes to Stuff: When the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato open lengthwise, then fluff the inside with a fork. Season the insides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Taco Potatoes: Spoon the taco beef mixture generously into the cavity of each potato. Top each loaded potato with shredded cheddar cheese, dollops of sour cream, salsa, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the taco potatoes hot, enjoying the blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Notes
- For a lighter or vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey or black beans for the ground beef.
- Add guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.
