Taco Potatoes offer a fun and hearty twist on traditional tacos. By stuffing tender baked potatoes with seasoned ground beef and a variety of classic taco toppings, this dish brings together the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, allowing you to customize each potato with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. These taco potatoes are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy both taco lovers and potato enthusiasts alike.
Taco Potatoes are a hearty and delicious combination of two favorite comfort foods—tacos and baked potatoes. These stuffed potatoes feature seasoned ground beef, topped with a variety of taco toppings, offering a flavorful and customizable dish perfect for any dinner. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, Taco Potatoes make for a fun and satisfying meal that will please the entire family.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the savory filling for the stuffed potatoes, seasoned with taco spices for a rich, flavorful base.
- 4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes: Baked to tender perfection, the potatoes serve as a hearty vessel for the seasoned beef and toppings.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning: Adds a bold, Mexican-inspired flavor to the ground beef, bringing the taco element to the dish.
- Shredded lettuce (for topping): Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich filling, giving the dish a light and refreshing touch.
- Cheddar cheese (for topping): Melts over the hot beef and potatoes, adding a gooey, creamy layer of cheesy goodness.
- Sour cream (for topping): Provides a cool, tangy balance to the seasoned beef and spices, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salsa (for topping): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick that complements the taco seasoning in the beef.
- Guacamole (for topping): Creamy and rich, guacamole brings a smooth texture and flavor contrast to the dish.
- Green onion (for garnish): Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, brightening the dish visually and in taste.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean and dry the Russet potatoes, then prick them several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking. Wrap each potato in foil and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 2:
- While the potatoes are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3:
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef, along with the amount of water recommended on the seasoning packet (usually 1/4 to 1/2 cup). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Step 4:
- Once the potatoes are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Unwrap the foil and make a slit along the top of each potato. Gently press the sides of the potatoes to open them up, creating space for the filling.
- Step 5:
- Fill each potato with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole as desired.
- Step 6:
- Garnish the potatoes with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve the taco potatoes immediately while they're hot and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Taco Potatoes are best served fresh and hot, with the toppings melting over the seasoned beef and baked potatoes. They pair perfectly with a side of tortilla chips, a green salad, or a bowl of Mexican-style rice.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes in the microwave or oven until warmed through, then add fresh toppings to keep them flavorful and vibrant.
- You can also make the seasoned beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply bake the potatoes and assemble them with the beef and toppings for a quick and easy meal.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings to these potatoes. Some great additions include jalapeños for a spicy kick, black olives for a briny contrast, or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or seasoned beans like black or pinto beans.
- For an extra crispy potato skin, skip the foil and bake the potatoes uncovered. Rub the skins with olive oil and a pinch of salt before baking to enhance the flavor and texture.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Rick Bayless: “When making taco fillings, always season generously and let the flavors simmer together for at least 10 minutes. It’s what takes your taco game from good to great.”
- Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: “A little fresh lime juice over the finished dish can brighten the flavors and add a nice tangy balance to the richness of the beef and cheese.”
- Chef Bobby Flay: “For the ultimate taco topping, char your salsa ingredients (tomatoes, onions, and peppers) on the grill or stovetop to bring out a smoky, deeper flavor.”