Description
Hearty Taco Potatoes bring Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table, blending crispy potato wedges with zesty taco seasoning and melted cheese. Spice-loving diners will relish this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that promises a flavor-packed meal in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Taco Seasoning and Liquid:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and thoroughly wash potatoes, piercing skin with a fork to allow steam release during baking.
- Roast potatoes directly on oven rack for 55-60 minutes until skin is crispy and interior becomes fork-tender.
- While potatoes roast, heat large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown ground beef, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Drain accumulated fat from beef and return meat to pan, stirring in taco seasoning and recommended water amount.
- Simmer beef mixture for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats meat evenly, creating robust flavor profile.
- Remove potatoes from oven, carefully slice lengthwise using kitchen towel for protection against heat.
- Gently separate potato flesh with fork, creating fluffy interior texture without breaking skin.
- Layer seasoned ground beef generously across each potato, ensuring even meat distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over warm beef, allowing slight melting from residual heat.
- Accent potatoes with dollops of sour cream, fresh salsa, chopped green onions, and sliced black olives.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and potato skin maintains crispy exterior.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for their fluffy interior and crispy skin, which creates the perfect base for taco toppings.
- Pat the ground beef dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt levels and customize the flavor intensity for your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative to reduce calories and fat content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg