Description
Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes offer a fun and delicious twist on two beloved comfort foods: tacos and baked potatoes. These stuffed potatoes are loaded with flavorful ground beef taco filling, topped with classic or creative taco toppings, and baked to perfection. The crispy potato skin and fluffy interior provide the perfect contrast to the savory, zesty filling, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, parties, or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s highly customizable—everyone can personalize their own potato with a variety of toppings, making it both versatile and easy to adapt to different dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large baked potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (or 1 packet store-bought)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite taco toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, guacamole, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prick the potatoes with a fork several times to allow steam to escape. Bake directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for 45-60 minutes, until tender. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before handling.
- Prepare Taco Filling: While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Simmer with Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, followed by 1/2 cup water and 1 cup salsa. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to thicken.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one lengthwise and gently squeeze the sides to open up a pocket. Season the inside with salt and pepper. For extra creaminess, you can mash the insides slightly with a fork and add a small dollop of sour cream.
- Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the taco filling into each baked potato, filling them generously. Top with your choice of taco toppings—shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and more.
- Optional Step: Place the stuffed potatoes under the broiler for 1-3 minutes to melt and brown the cheese for a bubbly finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional toppings as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Baking Potatoes: For the crispiest skin, rub the potatoes with a little oil and sprinkle them with salt before baking.
- Taco Seasoning: Making your own taco seasoning allows you to control the flavor and salt content. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a quick homemade version.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add or substitute toppings based on your preferences—whether you like spicy jalapeños, creamy guacamole, or a fresh squeeze of lime, there’s no wrong way to top these potatoes.
- Leftovers: Leftover taco filling can be used in a variety of other dishes, like tacos, quesadillas, or nachos. Store any extra filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.