Taco Baked Potato Recipe
These Taco Baked Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal featuring perfectly baked russet or Yukon gold potatoes topped with seasoned lean ground beef, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, they make a satisfying dinner or lunch option that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Filling
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 Tbsp taco seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 cup salsa (medium spice preferred)
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Extra salsa
- Fresh or pickled jalapenos
- Diced red onion
- Additional grated cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the potato halves with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Place the potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook the ground beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water into the cooked beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors combine.
- Assemble the potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked, carefully flip them over so the cut side is facing up. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly onto each potato half. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt the cheese: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with lime wedges and your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream or Greek yogurt, extra salsa, jalapenos, diced red onion, or additional cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty taco baked potatoes!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and salsa according to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, use seasoned black beans or lentils instead of ground beef.
- Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before assembling to ensure they are soft inside.
- The recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
Keywords: taco baked potatoes, baked potato recipe, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, Mexican inspired potatoes
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/taco-baked-potato-recipe/
