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Taco Potatoes

A hearty and customizable dinner recipe where large baked potatoes are split open and loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 potatoes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican Inspired
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Baked Potatoes
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
Taco Beef Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix or 3 tbsp homemade blend
  • 0.5 cup water
Drenched Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream for massive dollops
  • 0.5 cup guacamole for substantial scoops
  • 0.5 cup fresh diced tomatoes
  • to taste optional toppings jalapeños, red onions, black olives, cilantro
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean, pat dry, and poke with a fork. Rub with olive oil and salt.
  2. Bake potatoes on a baking sheet for 45-60 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the interior is easily pierced with a fork.
  3. While potatoes bake, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, then drain grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is ultra-shiny.
  4. Chop the fresh tomatoes, onions, and prepare other desired toppings.
  5. Once baked, slice potatoes length-wise, and fluff the inside with a fork.
  6. Load each potato generously with hot taco beef, melted cheddar cheese, sour cream and guacamole dollops, diced tomatoes, and other toppings. Light reflecting off all the wet surfaces like polished varnish.
  7. Serve immediately, piping hot and glistening with zero dry spots.

Notes

Set up a Taco Potato Bar for a fun, customizable meal. Try with shredded pork or chicken.