Hearty Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe Everyone Will Love

Comfort food meets Mexican-inspired flavors in these delectable taco stuffed baked potatoes that promise to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Crispy potato skins cradle a hearty blend of seasoned ground beef and zesty toppings.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly cooked potatoes, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures and bold spices.

The recipe offers a playful twist on traditional tacos, making weeknight meals exciting and delicious.

Loaded with protein and bursting with flavor, these stuffed potatoes will quickly become a go-to meal for anyone seeking a quick and tasty dinner solution.

Get ready to savor every incredible, flavor-packed bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45-60 minutes

Total Time: 60-75 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Taco Stuffed Baked Potato Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes: Hearty canvas that provides a robust and fluffy foundation for the taco stuffing, choose firm potatoes without soft spots or green patches.
• Olive Oil: Creates crispy potato skin and helps seasoning adhere beautifully, select extra virgin for best flavor.

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Delivers rich, meaty protein with versatile lean options, look for fresh meat with bright color and minimal moisture.
• Taco Seasoning: Infuses bold southwestern spices, opt for low-sodium blends to control salt levels.

• Cheddar Cheese, Black Olives, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Adds layers of texture, tang, and vibrant color to create a flavor-packed potato experience, choose ripe tomatoes and crisp onions for maximum freshness.
• Sour Cream: Provides cool, creamy contrast to spicy meat, select full-fat version for richness.
• Cilantro: Offers bright, herbaceous finish with authentic Mexican flair, pick leaves with deep green color and no wilting.

What You Need for the Ultimate Stuffed Potato

• Baking Sheet: Lined with foil to roast potatoes evenly and catch drips.
• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for browning ground meat and cooking taco filling.
• Fork: Used to pierce potatoes and fluff potato interiors.
• Cutting Board: For chopping tomatoes, onions, and preparing toppings.
• Sharp Knife: To slice potatoes in half and dice vegetables.
• Spatula: Helps stir meat and transfer ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately portioning taco seasoning.

Baking and Assembling Instructions

Mexican Potato Feast

• Potato Preparation Wash potatoes and poke small holes all over with a fork to help steam escape during baking.
• Potato Roasting Place potatoes on a baking sheet and slide into a hot oven set at 400°F, allowing them to become tender and crispy on the outside for about 45-60 minutes.
• Meat Seasoning Brown ground meat in a skillet, stirring frequently and breaking into small pieces while adding zesty taco seasoning for extra flavor.
• Potato Transformation Carefully slice baked potatoes lengthwise and gently separate the fluffy interior with a fork, creating a cozy space for delicious fillings.
• Flavor Explosion Generously spoon seasoned meat into potato boats and sprinkle with melty cheese, letting it create a golden blanket over the warm filling.
• Final Touch Return potatoes to the oven for a quick 5-10 minute session to help cheese melt and create a gorgeous golden surface.
• Garnish Excitement Top with fresh chopped tomatoes, crisp onions, and a dollop of creamy sour cream to add bright colors and tangy flavors.

Seasoning Swaps and Filling Options

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein experience. Each option brings unique flavors and textures to your stuffed potatoes.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning. Mix your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a personalized kick.
• Potato Perfect: Choose russet potatoes for the best fluffy interior and crispy skin. Scrub them thoroughly and pat dry before adding olive oil to ensure a crisp exterior.
• Topping Explosion: Get creative with additional toppings like jalapeños, green onions, crispy bacon bits, or roasted corn kernels. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for extra flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare potatoes and taco meat separately in advance. Store in refrigerator and assemble just before baking for a quick weeknight meal that saves time and reduces day-of cooking stress.

How to Serve These Taco Potatoes

• Fiesta Flavor Party: Top these sizzling taco stuffed potatoes with fresh salsa for an extra zesty kick that brings everyone to the table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Arrange the potatoes on a large wooden board with small bowls of additional toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, and hot sauce, letting guests customize their own delicious creation.
• Protein Power Boost: Enhance the meal by adding a side of black beans or a crisp green salad to balance the hearty potato and meat combination, creating a well-rounded dinner experience.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra taco meat and pre-bake potatoes during the weekend, so you can quickly assemble these stuffed potatoes during busy weeknights for a fast and satisfying meal.

Saving and Reheating Stuffed Potatoes

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple potatoes at once, storing cooked meat and potato shells separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Mix and match toppings to keep dinner exciting and fresh.
• Refrigerator Survival Guide: Store prepared taco stuffed potatoes in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Separate cheese and fresh toppings to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual potato halves in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in oven at 350°F for best results.
• Packed Lunch Hack: Pack components separately in meal prep containers – potato shells, seasoned meat, and cold toppings. Reassemble and warm at lunchtime for a delicious midday meal that tastes freshly made.

Epic Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 60-75 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty southwest-style Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes blend classic comfort with zesty Mexican flavors. Crispy potato shells packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or turkey
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup (60 ml) diced red onion
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sliced black olives
• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with foil for even potato roasting.
2. Potato Priming: Pierce potatoes with fork and massage with olive oil to create a crispy, golden exterior.
3. Initial Roasting: Bake potatoes for approximately one hour until fork-tender, ensuring complete internal cooking.
4. Meat Preparation: Brown ground meat in skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking and draining excess fat, then blend with taco seasoning to create a robust, flavorful filling.
5. Potato Transformation: Remove potatoes from oven, allow brief cooling, then slice lengthwise and delicately fluff interior with fork to create a light, airy texture.
6. Assembly: Evenly distribute seasoned meat across potato halves, cover with shredded cheddar cheese, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
7. Garnishing: Top with diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, a generous dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant, complete presentation.

Notes

• Potato Piercing Technique: Carefully puncture potatoes with a fork to release steam, preventing potential potato explosions during roasting.
• Oil Massage Method: Thoroughly rub potatoes with olive oil to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds incredible texture and flavor.
• Meat Seasoning Tip: Brown ground meat completely and drain excess fat to ensure a rich, well-developed taco flavor that complements the potato base.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Allow stuffed potatoes to return to oven for final 5-10 minutes, creating a perfectly melted, golden cheese topping that binds all ingredients together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg