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A fun and hearty twist on taco night! These baked potatoes are loaded with seasoned taco meat, melty cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings—comfort food meets Mexican flair.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–60 minutes (for potatoes)
- Assembly Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Baking sheet or microwave
- Skillet (for taco meat)
- Knife & cutting board
- Spoon or potato scooper
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Cheese grater (optional)
- Mixing bowls (for toppings)
📝 Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil (for rubbing)
- Salt
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional & Customizable):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce or salsa
🥔 Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because of their size and fluffy texture.
- Ground Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles as a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
- Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning = chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded melts best.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes:
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub potatoes, dry, and poke several holes with a fork.
- Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place directly on oven rack or baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender.
Microwave Method (Quick Option):
- Poke holes and microwave each potato for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check doneness by squeezing gently—should be soft inside.
2. Make Taco Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and sauté diced onions until soft.
- Add ground meat. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust salt if needed.
3. Assemble the Potatoes:
- Slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
- Spoon in taco meat and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Add your favorite toppings: sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, etc.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 450–600 (varies by toppings)
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbs: 40–50g
- Fat: 20–30g
- Fiber: 5–7g
Estimates based on one loaded potato with beef, cheese, and basic toppings.
💡 Tips and Variations
Tips:
- Make a toppings bar for family-style or party-friendly serving.
- To crisp up potatoes, bake them uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Leftover taco meat? Store separately and reheat for quick lunches.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Use black beans, corn, or lentils as taco filling.
- Loaded Nacho Style: Add crushed tortilla chips or queso sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle peppers, cayenne, or spicy salsa.
- Mini Version: Use small potatoes for party appetizers or meal prep.
