Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taco Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with a Mexican flair. The combination of fluffy, baked potatoes with savory taco-seasoned beef, melted cheddar cheese, and creamy sour cream creates a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to make and completely customizable. Whether you’re serving them for a quick dinner or as a fun appetizer, they are sure to be a hit. Plus, they can be adapted to suit any taste—add your favorite toppings or spice things up for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the Russet potatoes, then prick them several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water to the beef. Stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Taco Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked and tender, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Top each potato with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled potatoes back into the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Taco Potatoes hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes (for potatoes)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño peppers or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for black beans, seasoned corn, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions for a vegetarian version.
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings—add guacamole, salsa, olives, or lettuce for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variety: If you prefer, you can swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Taco Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes would work wonderfully in this recipe and add a slightly different flavor profile with a natural sweetness.
2. Can I make these Taco Potatoes ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes and ground beef in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, assemble and bake the potatoes until the cheese is melted.
3. Can I make this dish with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
4. Can I freeze these Taco Potatoes?
It’s best to freeze the components separately. You can freeze the seasoned beef and bake the potatoes ahead of time, then reassemble and bake when ready to serve.
5. How do I make the beef less greasy?
You can drain the fat after browning the ground beef, or use lean ground beef to reduce the grease.
6. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
7. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works just fine if you don’t have time to make your own. Just follow the instructions on the packet.
8. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn to the seasoned beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
9. Can I serve these Taco Potatoes with a side dish?
These Taco Potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone, but they pair well with a side salad, Mexican rice, or some tortilla chips.
10. Can I make Taco Potatoes without an oven?
Yes, you can microwave the potatoes until tender and then top with the cooked beef and cheese. Finish in the microwave or use a skillet to melt the cheese.
Conclusion
Taco Potatoes are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy taco night with a twist! The combination of tender baked potatoes with taco-seasoned beef, melted cheese, and classic toppings is a crowd-pleaser every time. This easy and customizable recipe can be made to suit your tastes and is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, Taco Potatoes are sure to impress!
Print
Taco Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taco Potatoes are a delicious fusion of hearty baked potatoes and flavorful taco ingredients. With seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, sour cream, and classic toppings, these loaded potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or taco night with a twist, this easy recipe will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
½ cup water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped green onions
½ cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the Russet potatoes, then prick them several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
-
Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
-
Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water to the beef. Stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Assemble the Taco Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Top each potato with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese.
-
Melt the Cheese: Return the potatoes to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Taco Potatoes hot and enjoy!
Notes
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño peppers or hot sauce to spice things up.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for black beans, seasoned corn, or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Toppings: Get creative—add guacamole, salsa, olives, or lettuce for added texture and flavor.
Cheese Variety: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes (for potatoes)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
