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Taco loaded baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mashup that satisfies every craving crispy potato skins packed with savory taco meat plus all the fresh topping goodness. I make these whenever I need a crowd pleaser that is both fun and filling for weeknights or casual get togethers.
I first made these when my kids wanted tacos but I only had potatoes in the pantry since then they beg for them every Taco Tuesday and top theirs with everything from salsa to jalapenos.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: select medium potatoes with firm skins for the crispiest bite avoid potatoes with green spots or soft patches
- Lean ground beef: look for 90 percent lean for less grease grass fed beef adds even more flavor
- Taco seasoning: use your favorite store bought packet or homemade blend double check the freshness by smelling for robust aroma
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: buy a block and shred for better melt and max flavor pre shredded cheese can be less melty
- Sour cream: pick full fat for creaminess or swap Greek yogurt for more protein
- Green onions: go for vibrant green stems and slice just before serving for best texture
- Fresh tomatoes: choose ripe but firm tomatoes slice and seed for less excess moisture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt prick each with a fork all over so steam escapes during baking and arrange on a baking sheet bake at 400 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes until you can pierce with a fork and skins are crisp
- Brown the Beef:
- While potatoes bake heat a large skillet over medium heat add ground beef breaking into crumbles cook until browned and fully cooked through about 8 to 10 minutes stir occasionally and drain off any excess fat for a less greasy topping
- Season the Meat:
- Stir in taco seasoning and pour in water mix well to coat beef evenly reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the meat all over
- Fluff and Slice Potatoes:
- When potatoes are done remove carefully from oven slice each lengthwise down the center gently open and fluff the insides with a fork to make a nest for toppings
- Build Your Potato:
- Spoon generous amounts of hot taco beef over each fluffed potato sprinkle a handful of sharp cheddar cheese let it melt from the heat add dollops of sour cream scatter chopped green onions and top with fresh diced tomatoes serve immediately for best flavor
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My favorite addition is a scoop of homemade guacamole which my daughter now insists on making every single time after we tried it together last summer and it became a new must have
Storage Tips
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days keep all toppings stored separately for best reheating results. Reheat potatoes in the microwave until hot then add toppings so nothing gets soggy. You can also freeze unstuffed potatoes for a month and reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up. Use vegetarian crumbles or black beans to make the dish meatless. Mix up cheeses by trying Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor or spice.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving these with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted corn. For a fun party spread lay out all toppings buffet style and let everyone build their own. Leftovers make a great next day lunch paired with a handful of chips or sweet potato fries.
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How These Came to Be
Loaded baked potatoes have been around since diners and steakhouses started serving them in the US but the taco twist is something that always makes weeknight meals exciting at my house. Bringing together the best parts of taco night and potato bar night just feels right.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I get the potato skins extra crispy?
Rub the potatoes with salt and olive oil before baking to create crisp, flavorful skins.
- → Can I use different meats for the topping?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for the beef.
- → What other toppings work well?
Try black beans, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare the potatoes ahead?
Bake the potatoes in advance and reheat them before adding the toppings for easy meal prep.
- → How do I make this vegetarian?
Replace the beef with beans and extra veggies for a meatless option packed with flavor.
- → Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, keep the skins on for texture and nutrients; just scrub them well before baking.