Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Toppings (Print version)

Crispy baked russet potatoes stuffed with taco beef, melted cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and jalapenos.

# Ingredients:

For the potatoes

01 - 4 medium russet potatoes, about 10-12 oz (280-340 g) each
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the taco beef

04 - 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
05 - 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) gluten-free taco seasoning
06 - 2/3 cup (160 ml) water

For the cheesy toppings

07 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
09 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
10 - 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
11 - 1/3 cup (35 g) sliced green onions
12 - 1/4 cup (30 g) sliced pickled jalapenos, optional
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 400 F. Scrub and dry the potatoes, prick each several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake directly on the oven rack for 50-60 minutes, until the skins are crisp and the centers are tender.
02 - While the potatoes bake, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.
03 - Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is saucy and glossy.
04 - Shred the cheeses, dice the tomatoes, slice the green onions, and set out the sour cream, jalapenos, and cilantro.
05 - Slice each hot potato lengthwise and gently squeeze the ends to open. Fluff the inside with a fork to make room for the filling.
06 - Spoon taco beef into each potato. Top immediately with cheddar and Monterey Jack so the cheese melts, then finish with sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. Serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Use a gluten-free taco seasoning if serving this as a gluten-free meal.
02 - Bake the potatoes ahead and reheat before filling for faster weeknight assembly.
03 - Best served right after the cheese melts and before the fresh toppings soften.

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