Description
Mexican-inspired taco stuffed baked potatoes deliver a hearty meal packed with bold flavors and textures. Crispy potato shells filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and classic taco toppings provide comfort and excitement for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 oz package taco seasoning or 3 tbsps homemade blend
- 2/3 cup water
- Olive or vegetable oil
- Coarse salt
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
- Chopped tomatoes (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Jalapeño rings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce potatoes multiple times with a fork, then massage with oil and generously coat with coarse salt. Place on a baking sheet and roast for approximately 60 minutes, rotating midway, until fork-tender.
- Once cooled slightly, slice off potato tops. Delicately excavate potato interiors, preserving a thin layer against the skin to maintain structural integrity.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions during final cooking moments, sautéing until translucent. Integrate taco seasoning and water, simmering for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Mash extracted potato flesh. Fold mashed potatoes into beef mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation. Blend in shredded cheese and sour cream, creating a cohesive filling.
- Stuff potato shells with seasoned mixture, topping with remaining cheese. Return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or additional sour cream. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes with uniform size for consistent cooking and easier stuffing.
- Generously coat potatoes with olive oil and coarse salt to create a crispy, flavorful skin that adds texture.
- Swap traditional cheddar with pepper jack, Mexican blend, or dairy-free alternatives to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, plant-based crumbles, or black beans for lighter or vegetarian options without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg