If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings the fun of taco night to the cozy warmth of baked potatoes, then you’ll love these Cheesy Taco Potatoes! This recipe is a favorite in our home because it’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this hearty meal combines the best of both worlds: cheesy goodness and flavorful taco filling. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: With just a few steps, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this fun twist on traditional tacos!
Customizable: Make it your own by adding your favorite toppings or swapping ingredients.
Make-Ahead Option: Prep the filling ahead of time and bake the potatoes when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these amazing Cheesy Taco Potatoes. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or local grocery store!

4 large russet potatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a plant-based option!
Change the cheese: Try pepper jack for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Add veggies: Mix in some sautéed bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Spice it up: Incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy!

How to Make Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to achieving perfectly tender potatoes with crispy skins.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Scrub those russet potatoes clean under running water and pat them dry. Don’t forget to pierce each potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing any potato explosions!

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. This simple step adds flavor and helps create that lovely crispy skin we all love.

Step 4: Bake the Potatoes

Place your seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes or until they’re nice and tender. You can check by inserting a fork – it should slide in easily.

Step 5: Cook the Ground Beef

While those potatoes are baking away, cook your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat; we want all that delicious flavor without extra grease.

Step 6: Add Taco Seasoning

Next, add the taco seasoning along with water according to package instructions. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes so all those spices meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Cool and Cut Potatoes

Once your potatoes are done baking, let them cool slightly before handling. Carefully cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze them open – this is where all that tasty filling will go!

Step 8: Load Up Your Fillings

Fill each potato generously with your seasoned ground beef mixture. Then, sprinkle on that shredded cheddar cheese; who doesn’t love gooey melted cheese?

Step 9: Melt the Cheese

Return those loaded potatoes back to the oven for an additional 5 minutes—just long enough for that cheese to melt into perfection.

Step 10: Top It Off!

Finally, remove your Cheesy Taco Potatoes from the oven and finish them off with dollops of sour cream, sprinkled green onions, fresh tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Creating the perfect Cheesy Taco Potatoes can be a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can make them truly unforgettable!

Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because their fluffy texture complements the savory filling. They also hold up well when baked, making them perfect for loading with toppings.
Don’t skip the seasoning: Adding salt and pepper to the potatoes before baking enhances their natural flavor. This small step makes a big difference in taste once everything is assembled.
Let your beef brown properly: Browning the ground beef until it’s fully cooked adds depth of flavor. The caramelization process creates a richer taste that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and toppings.
Experiment with toppings: While sour cream and cheddar are classics, feel free to add your favorite toppings! Sliced jalapeños or avocado can bring some extra zest and creaminess to your dish.
Make it vegetarian: For a meat-free option, swap out the ground beef for black beans or lentils seasoned with taco spices. This keeps all the flavors intact while catering to different dietary preferences.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Serving Cheesy Taco Potatoes is not only about deliciousness but also about presentation. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dish!

Garnishes

Chopped fresh cilantro: This herb adds a refreshing twist that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef.
Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, adding sliced jalapeños will give your potatoes an exciting kick.
Avocado slices: Creamy avocado makes a lovely addition that enhances both texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

Mexican Street Corn Salad: A colorful salad made with sweet corn, lime juice, cheese, and spices that beautifully complements the cheesy flavors of the potatoes.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans serve as a hearty side that pairs perfectly with taco flavors. You can make them from scratch or use canned versions for convenience.
Guacamole: A classic avocado dip that’s creamy and rich. It adds freshness and balances out the dish’s heaviness.
Simple Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to your hearty Cheesy Taco Potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with this deliciously satisfying dish! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cheesy Taco Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and hearty dish throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They can be kept for up to 3 days.
When storing, consider keeping toppings like sour cream and fresh vegetables separate to maintain their freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
For best results, reheat them directly from frozen rather than thawing first.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, adding extra cheese if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Taco Potatoes.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Cheesy Taco Potatoes?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative. Just cook it in the same way as the beef, and it will blend perfectly with the taco seasoning.

How do I customize my Cheesy Taco Potatoes?

You can easily customize these potatoes by adding your favorite toppings such as guacamole, jalapeños, or even corn. The possibilities are endless!

Can I make Cheesy Taco Potatoes vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or black beans. You can also load up on veggies for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Cheesy Taco Potatoes! This recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also allows for plenty of personalization. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy night in or serving them at a gathering with friends, they’re sure to be a hit. Have fun experimenting with toppings and flavors—happy cooking!

Cheesy Taco Potatoes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting delight of Cheesy Taco Potatoes, a perfect fusion of hearty baked potatoes and zesty taco flavors. This dish transforms your typical taco night into a cozy culinary experience that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. With fluffy russet potatoes stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, it’s a meal that appeals to everyone—from kids to adults. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, these loaded potatoes are sure to impress. Plus, they are customizable to suit diverse tastes! Get ready to serve up smiles with every cheesy bite.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large russet potatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped green onions
¼ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup sliced black olives
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Clean potatoes, pierce with a fork, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Bake potatoes for about 45 minutes until tender.
While baking, cook ground beef in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and water; simmer for 5 minutes.
Cool baked potatoes slightly; cut slits on top to open.
Fill each potato with seasoned beef and top generously with cheddar cheese.
Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Finish with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro.