Taco Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Taco Potatoes are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy classic taco ingredients in a comforting baked potato. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with all your favorite toppings, making it a perfect weeknight meal or casual gathering dish.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- Shredded lettuce (for topping)
- Cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
- Guacamole (for topping)
- Green onion (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400° F. Wash potatoes thoroughly, then pat dry. Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork, wrap each potato tightly in foil, and bake for 1 hour.
- Step 2: While potatoes bake, brown and crumble the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Add the taco seasoning and the amount of water specified on the packet to the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Carefully remove the hot potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Unwrap the foil, then cut a slit on top of each potato to open it up.
- Step 5: Fill each potato with the seasoned ground beef, then add your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skins, skip the foil wrapping and bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack.
- Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Top with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store any leftover potatoes and beef mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat and warm the potatoes in the microwave or oven before assembling again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are preferred because of their starchy texture and ability to hold toppings well, but you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare the beef filling in advance?
Yes, you can cook and season the beef up to 2 days ahead. Store it refrigerated and reheat before filling the potatoes.
PrintTaco Potatoes Recipe
Taco Potatoes are a fun and hearty twist on classic baked potatoes, loaded with seasoned ground beef and a variety of tasty taco toppings like shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and green onion. This easy recipe combines the comforting flavors of tacos with the satisfying texture of baked potatoes for a delicious and family-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- Water (amount as called for on taco seasoning packet)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash the Russet potatoes thoroughly under water and pat them dry with paper towels. Poke a few holes in each potato using a fork or knife to allow steam to escape. Wrap each potato tightly in foil. Place them on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with the amount of water specified on the seasoning package. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble Taco Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully remove the foil. Cut a slit down the top of each potato to open it up. Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture generously inside each potato. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and green onion as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful taco-inspired baked potatoes.
Notes
- Use a fork to check if the potatoes are fully cooked; they should be soft inside.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- For extra crispiness, unwrap potatoes for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Customize toppings based on preference or dietary needs.
- Leftover taco beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: taco potatoes, baked potatoes, ground beef, taco seasoning, easy dinner, loaded baked potatoes
