Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with a taco twist. The seasoned ground beef and melted cheese pair perfectly with the tender, fluffy baked potatoes. The vibrant toppings—sour cream, fresh tomatoes, and green onions—add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy filling. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your preferences, and great for feeding a crowd or satisfying a craving for something filling and tasty. Whether you serve it as a dinner or a side dish, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
4-6 medium Russet potatoes
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
½ cup water

→ Delicious Toppings
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup green onions, chopped
½ cup fresh tomatoes, diced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the Russet potatoes, then poke several holes in each with a fork. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is well-coated in the seasoning and the water has mostly evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done baking, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture generously over each potato.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the beef, and return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add the Toppings: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top each one with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes.
7. Serve: Serve these Cheesy Taco Potatoes immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on the size of the potatoes. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking the potatoes takes 45-60 minutes. The total time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour.

Variations

• Add More Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the beef mixture.
• Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef for an extra kick of heat.
• Use Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing: Leftover Cheesy Taco Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled potatoes before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on the size of the portion.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but Russet potatoes work best because they are fluffy and easy to fluff after baking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just assemble the potatoes and bake when you’re ready to serve.

How do I keep the potatoes from getting too dry?

Be sure to bake the potatoes until they’re tender, but don’t overbake them. When assembling, the ground beef and cheese will keep the potato moist.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or use a spicier taco seasoning mix to increase the heat.

Can I use leftover taco meat for this recipe?

Yes, leftover taco meat from previous meals works perfectly for this recipe—just reheat and top your potatoes!

Can I make these potatoes vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a vegetarian filling, like black beans or a plant-based meat substitute, for a vegetarian option.

How do I keep the toppings from making the potatoes soggy?

For the best results, wait until just before serving to add the sour cream, tomatoes, and green onions. This will prevent the toppings from wilting or making the potatoes soggy.

Can I make the potatoes in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes in a slow cooker! Place the whole potatoes in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once done, follow the rest of the recipe to assemble the potatoes.

Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to top the potatoes with salsa, guacamole, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are the perfect meal for taco lovers who want something hearty and filling with a fun twist. The crispy baked potatoes paired with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create a flavor-packed dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s customizable, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd favorite at any gathering. Whether served as a main dish or side, these Cheesy Taco Potatoes will become a family favorite in no time!

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