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Taco Potatoes are soft & fluffy baked potatoes filled with taco seasoned ground beef and all the favorite taco toppings. It’s everything you love about Classic Baked Potatoes and Tacos!
Taco Potatoes Recipe
Enjoy the flavors of tacos + baked potatoes with this dinner recipe that the entire family will eat! I love to make a baked potato bar with all my family’s favorite taco toppings in bowls – that way everyone can top their baked potatoes however they want.
Russet potatoes bake in the oven until the potato center is soft & fluffy. Make easy taco seasoned ground beef in a skillet pan while the potatoes are cooking, and then top the baked potato with the taco ground beef and then pile on all your favorite toppings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Russet Potatoes : Russet potatoes are the ideal potato to use for baked potatoes – I recommend only using them.
- Olive Oil : Rubbing the potatoes in olive oil before baking is the secret ingredient to get really flavorful, soft, and fluffy potatoes in the oven.
- Kosher Salt + Black Pepper : Seasonings for the outside of the potatoes. I use kosher salt but sea salt, pink salt, or iodized table salt all work.
- Taco Seasoning Packet : Use a packet of taco seasoning; mild, regular, hot & spicy, reduced-sodium, chicken taco seasoning, or a cheesy taco seasoning packet. Or if you prefer make your Homemade Taco Seasoning instead.
- Water
- Taco Toppings : Shredded cheese, pico de Gallo, diced onions, salsa, sour cream, avocado slices or guacamole, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, etc.
Steps For Making Taco Potatoes (Printable Recipe Card)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly and then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub each potato in some olive oil and then sprinkle salt and pepper all over it.
Place the potatoes directly onto the oven rack or you can place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender and when they can be easily pierced with a fork. If you prefer a softer potato exterior then wrap each potato in tin foil before baking.
Towards the end of the bake time, cook and crumble the ground beef in a skillet pan over medium-high heat, until the meat is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Add the taco seasoning and water into the skillet pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, heat for 5-8 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Cut a slit lengthwise in each potato and gently press the ends to open up the potato. Fluff the inside with a fork and then season with salt and pepper to taste if needed. Spoon some taco meat into each potato and then top with all your favorite taco toppings.
How To Serve Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Taco Toppings : Put your favorite toppings into bowls and let everyone top their taco potato just how they like it. Here are some ideas to get you started – shredded cheese (any variety), shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, pico de Gallo, salsa, guacamole, avocado slices, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, etc.
- Serve some Cilantro Lime Rice or Easy Mexican Rice for a side dish or as a topping to the potatoes.
- I will sometimes make this Avocado, Corn, & Tomato Salad as a topping or serve it as a side dish to the potatoes.
Taco Potatoes FAQ’s
Can I Make The Taco Meat Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the taco meat in advance and store it in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat before stuffing the potatoes. You could also use leftover taco meat to stuff the potatoes.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a slightly healthier twist to this recipe or if you just prefer the flavor of sweet potatoes. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as sweet poetess may take less time to cook thoroughly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free (as potatoes are gluten-free) as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix or make your own taco seasoning with dried seasonings.
Can I Use Leftover Baked Potatoes For This Recipe?
Yes, if you have leftover baked potatoes, you can reheat them and then stuff them with the prepared taco meat and toppings.
More Potato Recipes
- Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes
- Hash Brown Potato Soup
- Steakhouse Potato Salad
- Cheesy Potato Bacon Casserole
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Ranch Potatoes
- Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
- Funeral Potatoes
Taco Potatoes
Ingredients
Baked Potatoes
- 4-6 russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- kosher salt & black pepper
Taco Filling & Toppings
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- shredded cheese
- chopped tomatoes, salsa, and/or pico de gallo
- guacamole and/or avocado slices
- sour cream
- chopped cilantro
- finely chopped onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly and then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub each potato in some olive oil and then sprinkle salt and pepper all over it.4-6 russet potatoes, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt & black pepper
- Place the potatoes directly onto the oven rack or you can place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender and they can be easily pierced with a fork.* If you prefer a softer potato exterior then wrap each potato in tin foil before baking.
- Towards the end of the bake time, cook and crumble the ground beef in a skillet pan over medium-high heat, until the meat is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the pan.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the taco seasoning and water into the skillet pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, heat for 5-8 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Cut a slit lengthwise in each potato and gently press the ends to open up the potato. Fluff the inside with a fork and then season with salt and pepper to taste if needed. Spoon some taco meat into each potato and then top with all your favorite taco toppings.shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, salsa, and/or pico de gallo, guacamole and/or avocado slices, sour cream, chopped cilantro, finely chopped onion
Notes
Nutrition
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