Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious twist on classic loaded potatoes, combining hearty russet potatoes with savory taco-seasoned ground beef and melty cheddar cheese. Topped with fresh veggies and creamy sour cream, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
3. Step 3: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. Step 4: While the potatoes are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Step 5: Add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze to open.
7. Step 7: Fill each potato with the seasoned ground beef, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Step 8: Return the potatoes to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, and cilantro.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try mixing some cooked black beans into the seasoned beef before filling the potatoes.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Try roasting the tomatoes and green onions before topping for a deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover filled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the potatoes from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes and cook the seasoned beef in advance. Store separately and assemble just before reheating and serving to keep the potatoes from becoming soggy.

Can I freeze cheesy taco potatoes?

While you can freeze them, the texture of the potatoes may change once thawed. For best results, freeze the cooked filling separately and bake fresh potatoes when ready to serve.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a hearty and flavorful dish combining baked russet potatoes loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and classic taco toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Beef Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
2. Season and Bake Potatoes. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Cook Ground Beef. While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Add Taco Seasoning. Stir in the packet of taco seasoning along with the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet. Simmer the beef mixture for 5 minutes until well combined and flavorful, then remove from heat.
5. Prepare Potatoes for Filling. When the potatoes are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly so they can be handled. Carefully cut a slit down the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to open the potato for filling.
6. Stuff Potatoes. Fill each opened potato generously with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Top the beef with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Melt Cheese. Place the filled potatoes back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Add Fresh Toppings. Remove the potatoes from the oven and top them with sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro to add fresh flavor and a variety of textures.
9. Serve and Enjoy. Serve the cheesy taco potatoes immediately while hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can customize toppings based on preference, such as adding jalapeños for heat or avocado for creaminess.
• To speed up baking, microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes prior to baking.
• Use low-fat sour cream to reduce calories if desired.
• Leftover stuffed potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.

Keywords: cheesy potatoes, taco potatoes, ground beef recipe, baked potato recipes, easy dinner, taco seasoning, cheesy beef stuffed potatoes