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Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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