Description
Taco Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal featuring baked russet potatoes stuffed with seasoned ground beef or turkey and topped with classic taco toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and fresh green onions. This easy-to-make dish combines the comforting texture of a baked potato with bold Mexican flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pierce each one several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until they become fork tender. Alternatively, you can microwave the potatoes on high for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
- Cook the Taco Meat: While the potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook it until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. If there is excess fat, drain it off. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water, then let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat well.
- Assemble the Taco Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, take them out carefully and slice each one open lengthwise. Fluff the potato insides gently with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the prepared taco meat over each potato. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, chopped green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve these loaded potatoes hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Feel free to customize your toppings with options such as guacamole, black beans, jalapeños, or chopped fresh tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt which offers a tangy taste with fewer calories.
- This recipe works well with either ground beef or ground turkey, allowing for flexibility based on your dietary preference.
- If short on time, microwaving the potatoes is a great shortcut to speed up the cooking process.
