Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fill Potatoes: Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly into each opened potato, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Melt Cheese: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- 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