Tasty Taco-Loaded Potatoes Recipe: A Fiesta on Your Plate

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions like this mouthwatering taco potatoes recipe that combines comfort and zest in one skillet.

Crispy potato wedges meet seasoned ground beef for an epic flavor explosion.

The dish brings together classic taco spices with hearty potatoes, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will devour.

Tender potatoes absorb rich, savory seasonings that dance across your taste buds with each bite.

Topped with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Packed with protein and bursting with southwestern flair, these taco potatoes will become your new go-to dinner that satisfies both hunger and cravings.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure good flavor and prevent excessive grease while cooking.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Partially prepare by baking potatoes and cooking beef in advance, then reheat and assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully baked?

Pierce the potato with a fork – if it slides in easily without resistance, the potato is fully cooked and ready.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use ground turkey instead of beef, choose low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Taco Potatoes Highlights

• Savor Gourmet Flavors: Transform ordinary mushrooms into a luxurious sandwich with restaurant-quality taste and minimal cooking skills required.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients that deliver maximum satisfaction and warmth.
• Create Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different dining scenarios and personal preferences.
• Indulge Cheese Lover's Dream: Combine melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses that create an irresistible, gooey center guaranteed to delight any cheese enthusiast.

Ingredients for Taco Potatoes

• Potatoes: Hearty base for the taco-inspired dish that provides a filling and satisfying foundation.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that is seasoned with taco flavors to create a savory filling.

• Taco Seasoning: Flavor-packed blend that adds classic Mexican-inspired taste to the ground beef.

• Shredded Lettuce, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole, Green Onions: Fresh and creamy toppings that add texture, color, and additional layers of flavor to the taco potatoes.

• Foil: Helps to create a steamy environment for baking the potatoes and keeps them moist during cooking.
• Water: Used with taco seasoning to create a flavorful sauce for the ground beef.

Cooking Instructions for Taco Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your potatoes and give them a good wash under cool water.

Pat them dry completely with a clean kitchen towel. Use a fork to poke several small holes all over each potato.

Wrap each potato snugly in aluminum foil.

Step 2: Bake The Potatoes

Place the wrapped potatoes directly on the oven rack.

Let them roast for about 60 minutes until they feel soft when gently squeezed. Once done, carefully remove from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it into small crumbly pieces while cooking.

Drain away any extra grease that accumulates. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and pour in water according to the packet instructions.

Let the mixture bubble, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Create Your Potato Masterpiece

Unwrap the baked potatoes and slice a generous slit down the center of each.

• Shredded crisp lettuce
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Creamy sour cream
• Zesty salsa
• Smooth guacamole
• Chopped green onions

Step 5: Dig In

Serve these loaded potato boats hot and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Tips for Taco Potatoes

• Pierce holes evenly around the potato to prevent steam buildup and ensure even baking.
• Remove excess beef grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and maintain a lighter texture.
• Mix and match taco toppings based on personal preferences or dietary needs like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Bake potatoes and prepare taco meat ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weeknight dinners.
• Let potatoes cool slightly before cutting to prevent burning your hands and allow for easier slicing.

Variations on Taco Potatoes

• Chicken Taco Potatoes: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option. Season chicken with taco spices for similar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Potatoes: Swap ground meat with seasoned black beans or plant-based meat substitute. Top with roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute potatoes with roasted cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative. Use same taco beef and toppings for similar taste experience.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle salsa for a fiery kick. Include diced green chiles in beef mixture for extra heat.

Pairing Ideas for Taco Potatoes

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the spicy, hearty taco potatoes. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Elevate with Fresh Salsa Verde: Whip up a tangy salsa verde using tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime to add a bright, acidic punch that balances the potato's creamy texture and meaty filling.
• Create Cooling Avocado Crema: Blend ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to make a smooth, creamy sauce that adds a cool contrast to the warm, spiced beef and crispy potato skin.

Storage Guidelines for Taco Potatoes

• Store leftover taco potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep toppings separate to maintain potato crispness.
• Wrap individual taco potatoes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Store frozen for 1-2 months. Freeze beef and potato separately for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator, unwrap, and place on baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
• Place potato on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway through. Add toppings immediately after heating to prevent soggy texture.

Taco Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy taco potatoes blend Mexican-inspired zest with comforting potato goodness for a delightful culinary adventure. Spicy seasonings and melted cheese elevate this simple dish, promising you a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 to 6 medium russet potatoes
• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Seasoning:

• 1 ounce (1 oz) taco seasoning packet

Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Scrub potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, ensuring all dirt is removed. Pat dry completely with clean kitchen towel.
2. Pierce potatoes multiple times with fork to allow steam escape during baking. Wrap individually in aluminum foil.
3. Roast potatoes in preheated 400°F oven for approximately 60 minutes until tender when pierced with knife.
4. Remove potatoes from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly and handle safely.
5. Place ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until meat completely browns and crumbles, breaking into small pieces.
6. Drain excess fat from skillet using colander or paper towels to remove grease.
7. Return meat to pan, sprinkle taco seasoning and add recommended water amount. Stir thoroughly to combine.
8. Reduce heat and simmer seasoned meat mixture for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
9. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, creating deep opening without cutting completely through.
10. Generously fill potato cavities with prepared taco meat.
11. Layer additional toppings including shredded lettuce, grated cheddar cheese, dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and chopped green onions.
12. Serve immediately while potatoes remain warm and toppings are fresh.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized russet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best baking results and most consistent texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or black beans for lighter protein options that fit different dietary needs.
• For extra crispy potato skin, lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt before wrapping in foil and baking.
• Bake potatoes and prepare taco meat ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg