Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes bring zesty southwestern flavors to your dinner table. Crispy potato skins cradle spicy seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large baked potatoes
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Meat Seasonings and Liquid:
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (or 1 packet store-bought)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a clean baking surface for the potatoes.
- Thoroughly cleanse the potatoes and puncture multiple times with a fork to enable steam release during roasting.
- Position potatoes directly on the oven rack or a lined baking sheet, allowing 45-60 minutes of cooking time until they achieve complete tenderness.
- Remove potatoes and let them rest for 10 minutes, ensuring safe handling temperature.
- Meanwhile, activate a large skillet over medium heat for the meat preparation.
- Introduce ground beef, carefully chopping onions and mincing garlic to combine in the pan.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, continuously stirring until beef browns completely and onions become translucent.
- Eliminate excess grease from the meat mixture to maintain a clean, concentrated flavor profile.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, blending with water and salsa to create a rich, harmonious sauce.
- Reduce heat and allow the filling to simmer, developing deeper flavor complexity for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice potatoes lengthwise, gently creating a pocket for filling while seasoning the interior.
- Optional: Softly mash potato interiors and introduce a delicate layer of sour cream for enhanced creaminess.
- Generously load each potato with the prepared taco filling, ensuring complete coverage.
- Embellish with complementary toppings: shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes, green onions, and additional sour cream.
- For a golden finish, briefly broil the stuffed potatoes to create a bubbling, slightly crisp cheese topping.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with extra toppings to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for their fluffy interior and ability to crisp up perfectly when baked.
- Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content to ensure a rich, flavorful taco filling.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning or using homemade blend for more control.
- Keep potatoes moist by wrapping them in foil during baking if you prefer softer skin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg