Description
Taco Potatoes combine the comforting heartiness of baked potatoes with flavorful seasoned ground beef and all your favorite taco toppings. This quick and easy recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into a delicious southwestern-inspired meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
Taco Beef
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- Water as directed on the seasoning packet (approximately 2/3 cup)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the Russet potatoes thoroughly. Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape. Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove carefully and let them cool slightly to handle safely.
- Prepare Taco Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease from the skillet. Add the taco seasoning packet along with the amount of water specified on the packet (approximately 2/3 cup). Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Assemble Taco Potatoes: When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, unwrap them and cut a slit lengthwise across the top. Use a fork to fluff the inside slightly, then fill each potato generously with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and sliced green onions to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the loaded taco potatoes warm for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and fun. Enjoy this delicious twist on classic tacos!
Notes
- If you prefer a crisper skin, skip wrapping the potatoes in foil before baking.
- You can add other toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or black olives for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.
- The potatoes can be baked ahead of time and reheated before assembling with toppings.
