Taco Potatoes are a delicious fusion of two comfort food favorites—crispy baked potatoes and flavorful taco fillings. This dish combines the heartiness of a baked potato with the bold, zesty flavors of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like salsa, sour cream, and avocado. It’s an easy, customizable meal that can be served as a main course or a satisfying side dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a game night, these loaded taco potatoes are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning – see below)
- ½ cup water
Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the russet potatoes clean under running water and pat them dry with a towel.
- Use a fork to poke holes in each potato 4-5 times to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper for extra crispiness.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat
- While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well to coat the meat evenly.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Slice each potato open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Use a fork to fluff the inside slightly.
- Spoon the seasoned taco meat evenly into each potato.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm meat so it melts slightly.
- Add desired toppings such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, green onions, olives, and jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these taco potatoes hot, straight from the oven.
- Pair them with a fresh side salad or a bowl of Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.
- For a fun party idea, create a taco potato bar, allowing guests to add their favorite toppings!
Calories & Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):
Serving Size: 1 loaded potato
- Calories: ~450-550 kcal
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~7g
- Sugar: ~4g
(Note: Calories may vary based on portion sizes and toppings used.)
Final Thoughts:
Taco Potatoes are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines the crispy, fluffy texture of baked potatoes with the bold and spicy kick of tacos. They’re incredibly versatile—you can use different proteins like chicken, black beans, or tofu, and customize the toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a fun dinner for the family, these loaded potatoes will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy! 🌮🥔