Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.

• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked in a single skillet.

• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.

• Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 4–6 medium Russet potatoes

• 1 oz packet taco seasoning

• ½ cup water

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

• ½ cup diced tomatoes

(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 dry the potatoes, then poke a few holes in each with a fork. Rub them with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

3. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

4. Assemble the Dish: Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff the insides. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over each potato.

5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts.

6. Garnish and Serve: Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils.

• Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.

• Toppings: Incorporate guacamole, salsa, or shredded lettuce for extra freshness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicy taco seasoning.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, sweet potatoes or red potatoes can be used as alternatives.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can bake the potatoes and cook the beef mixture ahead. Assemble and bake with cheese just before serving.

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming soggy?

Ensure the potatoes are baked until fully tender and avoid overcooking the beef mixture.

Can I freeze this dish?

It's best to freeze the beef mixture separately. Assemble and bake the potatoes with cheese after thawing.

What toppings can I add?

Consider adding sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are great alternatives.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Potatoes offer a delicious and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and customize. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the comforting combination of baked potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, topped with fresh garnishes for added flavor.

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Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender baked potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with fresh sour cream, green onions, and diced tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

4–6 medium Russet potatoes

1 oz packet taco seasoning

½ cup water

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup chopped green onions

½ cup diced tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry potatoes, poke holes with a fork, rub with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake 45–60 minutes until tender.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Slice open baked potatoes and fluff insides. Spoon seasoned beef mixture over each potato.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve warm.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
• Vegetarian option: substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils.
• Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for varied flavor.
• Additional toppings like guacamole, salsa, or shredded lettuce can be added.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400-450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg