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Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

4.8 from 14 reviews

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and hearty dish featuring baked russet potatoes loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings like sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, and cilantro. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe combines classic taco flavors with the satisfying texture of fluffy baked potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

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

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Water as required by seasoning packet (approx. 2/3 cup)

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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get ready for baking the potatoes.
  2. Prepare the 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 and Bake Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  5. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with the recommended amount of water as per the package instructions (usually about 2/3 cup). Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld, then remove from heat.
  6. Scoop and Fill Potatoes: When potatoes are done, allow them to cool slightly. Cut a slit across the top of each potato and gently squeeze to open up the interior. Fill the potatoes generously with the seasoned ground beef.
  7. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef-filled potatoes. Return them to the oven for 5 more minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly.
  8. Top and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top each with sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful cheesy taco potatoes!

Notes

  • Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because of their fluffy texture.
  • Adjust taco seasoning water quantity based on specific packet instructions.
  • Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
  • For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Make sure to drain fat from beef to avoid greasy filling.
  • Leftover potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated but are best fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy taco potatoes, baked stuffed potatoes, ground beef tacos, easy weeknight dinner, loaded baked potatoes