Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

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  1. Prepare the Potatoes
    Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pierce them with a fork. Place them directly on the middle rack of a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 45–50 minutes until fork-tender.

  2. Brown the Beef
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.

  3. Season the Meat
    Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

  4. Prepare Potatoes
    Slice open the baked potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the seasoned beef on top.

  5. Assemble and Serve
    Sprinkle with cheese, sour cream, green onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Complete Meal: One dish provides protein, vegetables, and starch.

  • Family-Friendly: Customizable for picky eaters.

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients.

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.

Pro Tips

  • Rub potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking for an extra crispy skin.

  • Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes after baking for fluffier texture.

  • Reserve some taco meat cooking liquid for extra flavor when serving.

Making Ahead and Storage
You can bake the potatoes and cook the beef up to two days ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the potatoes in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes and warm the beef before assembling with fresh toppings. Assembled potatoes can be refrigerated for up to three days.

Perfect Substitutions

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

  • Replace Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrition and sweetness.

  • For dairy-free options, substitute with dairy-free cheese and guacamole instead of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions
Transform this into a taco potato bar with toppings like black olives, avocado, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce.
For a lighter meal, serve alongside a green salad with lime vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I ensure my potatoes are evenly baked?
    Pierce the potatoes with a fork all over before baking and turn them midway for even cooking.

  • Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
    Yes, sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs well with taco toppings.

  • What other toppings can I use?
    Avocado slices, black beans, jalapeños, or salsa are great additions.

  • Can I make this meal ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and beef ahead, and reheat before assembling.

  • How do I make this dish vegetarian?
    Use plant-based crumbles or black beans as the base for the taco meat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~5g

 

  1. Prepare the Potatoes
    Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pierce them with a fork. Place them directly on the middle rack of a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 45–50 minutes until fork-tender.

  2. Brown the Beef
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.

  3. Season the Meat
    Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

  4. Prepare Potatoes
    Slice open the baked potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the seasoned beef on top.

  5. Assemble and Serve
    Sprinkle with cheese, sour cream, green onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Complete Meal: One dish provides protein, vegetables, and starch.

  • Family-Friendly: Customizable for picky eaters.

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients.

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.

Pro Tips

  • Rub potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking for an extra crispy skin.

  • Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes after baking for fluffier texture.

  • Reserve some taco meat cooking liquid for extra flavor when serving.

Making Ahead and Storage
You can bake the potatoes and cook the beef up to two days ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the potatoes in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes and warm the beef before assembling with fresh toppings. Assembled potatoes can be refrigerated for up to three days.

Perfect Substitutions

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

  • Replace Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrition and sweetness.

  • For dairy-free options, substitute with dairy-free cheese and guacamole instead of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions
Transform this into a taco potato bar with toppings like black olives, avocado, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce.
For a lighter meal, serve alongside a green salad with lime vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I ensure my potatoes are evenly baked?
    Pierce the potatoes with a fork all over before baking and turn them midway for even cooking.

  • Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
    Yes, sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs well with taco toppings.

  • What other toppings can I use?
    Avocado slices, black beans, jalapeños, or salsa are great additions.

  • Can I make this meal ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and beef ahead, and reheat before assembling.

  • How do I make this dish vegetarian?
    Use plant-based crumbles or black beans as the base for the taco meat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~5g

 

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