Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Potatoes bring together the best of both worlds: hearty baked potatoes topped with savory taco-seasoned beef and melty cheddar cheese. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
3. Step 3: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. Step 4: While the potatoes are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Step 5: Add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze to open.
7. Step 7: Fill each potato with the seasoned ground beef, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Step 8: Return the potatoes to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, and cilantro.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For added spice, mix in some jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce with the beef.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a flavorful twist.
• If you prefer, bake the potatoes wrapped in foil for a softer skin.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave until hot. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the seasoned beef and bake the potatoes in advance. Assemble and bake with cheese just before serving to keep the dish fresh and melty.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make a simple homemade version using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper mixed together to taste.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal featuring baked russet potatoes stuffed with seasoned ground beef, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh toppings like sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, and cilantro. This easy-to-make recipe combines the comforting flavors of a taco filling with the fluffiness of baked potatoes for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ground Beef Taco Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
3. Season and Bake Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Cook Ground Beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
5. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the amount of water specified on the packet. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor, then remove from heat.
6. Cool and Cut Potatoes: When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly so they can be handled safely. Cut a slit down the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to open them up.
7. Fill Potatoes: Spoon the seasoned ground beef filling into each opened potato, packing it in evenly.
8. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the filled potatoes. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
9. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top each with sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro for fresh flavor and texture.
10. Serve: Serve the cheesy taco potatoes immediately while warm and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
• Use a fork to test potato doneness; it should pierce easily.
• Leftover potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: cheesy potatoes, taco potatoes, stuffed potatoes, baked potatoes, ground beef recipes, mexican-inspired, easy dinner