Description
Taco Potatoes are a delicious, hearty meal featuring oven-baked russet potatoes stuffed with seasoned ground beef and topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and fresh garnishes. This Mexican-American inspired dish offers a perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures, ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or taco night.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 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 (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and poke several holes in each with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the potatoes bake, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart with a spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and absorb the seasoning fully.
- Prepare Potatoes for Stuffing: Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly so you can handle them safely. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and use a fork to gently fluff the inside flesh. Season with a little salt and pepper.
- Assemble Taco Potatoes: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture into each potato. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, spoon on some salsa, and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired.
- Serve Warm: Serve the taco potatoes immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience. Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make meal!
Notes
- For a lighter or vegetarian version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or black beans.
- Customize the toppings by adding jalapeños, guacamole, or hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.
- If you prefer softer skin, wrap the potatoes in foil before baking.
- To speed up cooking, you can microwave the potatoes for 5–7 minutes before baking.
