Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Potatoes combine the comforting heartiness of baked potatoes with the bold flavors of a taco filling. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual get-together.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
3. Step 3: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. Step 4: While the potatoes are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Step 5: Add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze to open.
7. Step 7: Fill each potato with the seasoned ground beef, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Step 8: Return the potatoes to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, and cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or a meatless crumbles alternative.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
• Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Wrap the potatoes in foil before baking to make the skin softer if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftover cheesy taco potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through, or microwave for 2–3 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes in advance and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the potatoes, prepare the beef filling, and assemble just before serving.

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture which bakes fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, making them perfect for stuffing.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 63 reviews

These Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal featuring baked russet potatoes stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with fresh veggies and sour cream. Perfect for a casual dinner or a fun twist on taco night.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Beef Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Water as per taco seasoning packet instructions

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Season Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Cook Ground Beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
6. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and add water as instructed on the seasoning packet. Simmer the beef mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld, then remove from heat.
7. Prepare Potatoes for Filling: When the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut a slit lengthwise on the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open them up.
8. Fill Potatoes: Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly into each opened potato, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
9. Melt Cheese: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
10. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top each with sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy taco potatoes!

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the toppings.
• Leftover stuffed potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor, or mix in some Monterey Jack for creaminess.
• Make sure potatoes are fully cooked through before stuffing to ensure a soft and fluffy interior.

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Cheddar Cheese, Easy Dinner