Taco Potatoes
Baked potatoes meet taco night in the ultimate comfort food mash-up.
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When you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor, Taco Potatoes deliver in a big way. Imagine fluffy baked potatoes piled high with seasoned beef, melty cheese, sour cream, and fresh toppings—perfect for casual dinners, taco-themed parties, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice lovers, this recipe is easy to customize and always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love Taco Potatoes
Taco Potatoes are everything we love about tacos—savory beef, tangy toppings, melted cheese—but served in a warm, filling baked potato. They’re:
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Simple to make with basic ingredients
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Customizable with your favorite taco toppings
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Great for meal prep or leftovers
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A family-friendly dinner even picky eaters will love
This dish is a delicious twist on two favorites—tacos and baked potatoes—that come together for a comforting, crave-worthy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make Taco Potatoes:
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1 pound lean ground beef – For a flavorful, hearty filling
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4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes – Perfect for baking, with fluffy interiors
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1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning – Adds bold, classic taco flavor
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½ cup water – Helps create a saucy beef mixture
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts over the hot filling
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½ cup sour cream – Adds creamy, tangy contrast
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¼ cup chopped green onions – Brings a fresh, crisp bite
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½ cup diced tomatoes – Adds brightness and juiciness
How to Make Taco Potatoes
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub and pierce the potatoes with a fork. Bake on a sheet for 45–50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Quick Tip: In a rush? Microwave the potatoes on high for 8–10 minutes, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the potatoes bake, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain excess grease.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Step 4: Load the Potatoes
Slice open each potato and fluff the inside with a fork. Spoon the taco beef filling over each one.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Add shredded cheese while the filling is hot so it melts. Then top with sour cream, green onions, and diced tomatoes.
Serve warm—and dig in!
Make It Your Own: Topping Ideas
Taco Potatoes are super customizable. Try these ideas to suit your taste:
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Spice it up with jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa
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Go meatless with seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles
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Add guacamole for a creamy avocado boost
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Switch the cheese with Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or Queso Fresco
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Add crunch with shredded lettuce or crushed tortilla chips
What to Serve with Taco Potatoes
These loaded spuds are filling on their own, but you can round out the meal with:
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Mexican Rice
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Refried or black beans
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Corn on the cob (try it grilled!)
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Tortilla chips with salsa or queso
A Family-Friendly Favorite
Taco Potatoes are a hit with kids and adults alike. Let everyone build their own for a fun, interactive dinner—perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or game day.
Bonus: This recipe is easy to adapt for dietary needs like gluten-free, vegetarian, or low-carb (try swapping the potato for a roasted sweet potato or cauliflower steak).
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
Want to get a head start? You can:
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Bake the potatoes and cook the beef earlier in the day
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Store each component in the fridge
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Reheat and assemble just before serving
Great for leftovers too—just reheat and top with fresh fixings!
Final Thoughts
Taco Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food crossover—warm, filling, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting taco night or just looking for a cozy, satisfying meal, this recipe brings the fun of tacos and the heartiness of baked potatoes into one easy dish.
So grab your favorite toppings, load up those spuds, and enjoy every bite. Don’t forget to share the love—this is a recipe worth passing around!