Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and satisfying twist on classic loaded potatoes. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and fresh toppings, this dish brings together the best flavors of a taco in a comforting baked potato. Perfect for a family 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.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika to the ground beef while cooking.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of russet for a slightly sweeter and nutritious variation.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Top with jalapeños or hot sauce if you like extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy taco potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or microwave until heated through. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes and cook the beef mixture in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to keep the potatoes from getting soggy.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning packet?

You can make your own taco seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. This homemade blend works perfectly in this recipe.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 107 reviews

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and hearty twist on the classic baked potato, loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with fresh veggies and sour cream. Perfect for a fulfilling weeknight meal packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-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

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 ensure it’s hot enough to bake the potatoes evenly.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Coat and Bake Potatoes: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until they become tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Cook Ground Beef: While potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling less greasy.
5. Season Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and add water as directed on the packet. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor, then remove from heat.
6. Prepare Potatoes for Filling: Once baked, let the potatoes cool slightly. Cut a slit on top and gently squeeze the sides to open the potato cavity for filling.
7. Fill Potatoes: Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each potato, then generously top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Melt Cheese: Return the filled potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
9. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove potatoes from oven and top each with sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
10. Serve: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the hearty, cheesy taco-inspired flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like extra heat.
• If you prefer a smoother filling, mash the potato insides slightly before adding beef and cheese.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use seasoned black beans instead.

Keywords: baked potatoes, taco potatoes, cheesy potatoes, ground beef recipe, taco seasoning, easy dinner, comfort food