Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a fun and hearty dish! Imagine fluffy baked potatoes loaded with zesty taco meat, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings like sour cream and salsa.
It’s like a taco party in a potato! I love making these on a cozy night; they’re simple to whip up and always hit the spot. Who doesn’t love cheese and tacos in one bite? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their fluffy texture. Yukon Golds work too, giving a creamier interior. If you want a lighter option, try sweet potatoes for a twist!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is best for this recipe. However, you can swap it with ground turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option. That’s what I love about this dish—it’s super versatile!
Taco Seasoning: Using a packet is easy, but homemade is always fresh! If you want a quick substitute, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. It’s fun to play around with your own blend!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic for this recipe, but Monterey Jack melts nicely too. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cheese, or skip it altogether and load up on veggies instead!
How Do You Bake Potatoes Perfectly?
Baking potatoes may seem simple, but getting that perfect texture is key. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Here’s how to make sure your potatoes turn out great:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly—clean skins mean better taste!
- Prick the potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape as they bake.
- Rub the skins with olive oil for crispiness and sprinkle salt/pepper for flavor.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. If they’re too firm, give them more time.
I like to let them cool a bit before cutting, so I don’t burn my hands! This helps when scooping out the flesh too.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large baking potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or about 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60 minutes to bake, for a total of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Your Cheesy Taco Potatoes will be worth every minute as they bake to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your baking potatoes a good wash and scrub, then dry them thoroughly. This helps get rid of any dirt and ensures crispy skins!
2. Poke and Season:
Using a fork, prick each potato several times to allow steam to escape. Then, rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. This will add flavor and help the skins crisp up nicely while baking.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. You want them soft on the inside; just let them bake until they’re perfect!
4. Cook the Beef:
While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This ensures even cooking!
5. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up nicely, then remove from heat.
6. Hollow Out the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out most of the inside flesh using a spoon, leaving a little border around the edges. This will help the potatoes keep their shape when stuffed.
7. Fill the Potatoes:
If you like, mix a bit of the scooped potato flesh into the seasoned ground beef for added creaminess. Then, fill each potato shell generously with the seasoned beef mixture.
8. Add the Cheese:
Top each stuffed potato with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t be shy—more cheese means more flavor!
9. Melt the Cheese:
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven or switch to the broiler for 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, top each potato with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. This adds freshness and flavor to your Cheesy Taco Potatoes.
11. Enjoy!
Serve these hot and enjoy the wonderful flavors you’ve just created! They make for a great meal or a delightful side dish. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Taco Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them if you’re short on time.
Can I Prep These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes and the beef filling ahead of time. Just bake the potatoes, scoop them out, and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, fill and bake them with cheese for a quick meal!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for alternatives to sour cream, try Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use guacamole for a delicious twist. Both will still add creaminess to your dish!
