Taco Stuffed Potatoes are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, where baked potatoes are loaded with taco-inspired toppings. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or even a party appetizer!
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey if you prefer)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
- 1/2 cup water (for seasoning mix)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for topping)
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or cilantro (optional)
- 1 avocado (sliced) or guacamole (optional)
- Jalapeños (optional for some heat)
Instructions:
- Bake the potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes well. Pierce them a few times with a fork to prevent them from bursting in the oven.
- Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes, or until they’re soft when poked with a fork. You can also microwave the potatoes for quicker results—usually around 10 minutes on high.
- Cook the taco meat:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef (or other protein) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors blend together.
- Prepare the potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are baked and soft, carefully slice them open lengthwise (like you would a baked potato). You can scoop out a bit of the flesh to make more room for the fillings, but don’t scoop too much—leave enough to support the toppings.
- Stuff the potatoes:
- Spoon the seasoned taco meat into the center of each potato.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and let it melt a bit—this usually happens right away if the meat is still warm.
- Top the potatoes:
- Add your favorite taco toppings, like salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, chopped green onions, and jalapeños.
- Serve:
- Serve the taco stuffed potatoes immediately. You can also serve them with a side of extra salsa or some tortilla chips for crunch!
Optional Tips:
- Veggie Option: You can swap out the ground beef for black beans, corn, and peppers for a veggie-filled taco stuffed potato.
- Spice It Up: If you like spicy food, throw in some hot sauce or pickled jalapeños on top.
- Cheese Options: Add a variety of cheeses, like cotija cheese or a Mexican cheese blend, for extra flavor.
Taco Stuffed Potatoes are a great combo of comfort food with a fun taco twist. Do you think you’d like this, or are there any specific toppings you’d add to make it your own?
