Print

Cheesy Taco Potatoes

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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