Taco Stuffed Baked Potatos

Preparing the Baked Potatoes

Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Easy, Flavorful, and Hearty Recipe. Begin by selecting large russet potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean under running water. Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender. Let them cool slightly before handling.

Taco Stuffed Baked Potatos

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• Author: recipstep
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy baked potatoes stuffed with seasoned taco meat, topped with cheese, sour cream, and customizable toppings. Perfect for a hearty meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes 🥔
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
• Salt to taste 🧂

For the Taco Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey 🥩 (or plant-based crumbles 🌱)
• 1 packet taco seasoning 🌶️
• 1 small onion, diced 🧅
• 1/2 cup water 💧
• 1/2 cup canned corn 🌽 (optional)
• 1/2 cup black beans 🫘 (optional)

Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese 🧀
• Sour cream 🥄
• Salsa 🍅
• Sliced jalapeños 🌶️
• Diced tomatoes 🍅
• Chopped cilantro 🌿
• Sliced green onions 🧅

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) 🔥. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke a few holes in each with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender and crispy on the outside. Let them cool slightly before handling.
2. Make the Taco Filling:
   While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. For extra texture, mix in corn and black beans.
3. Stuff the Potatoes:
   Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one down the middle. Fluff the insides with a fork and mix in a bit of butter or sour cream if desired. Spoon the taco filling into each potato, packing it generously.
4. Add Toppings:
   Top each stuffed potato with shredded cheese, letting it melt over the hot filling. Add a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, and finish with any of your favorite toppings like jalapeños, tomatoes, and cilantro.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the taco-stuffed potatoes hot, either as a hearty main dish or a satisfying side. Customize each potato to suit everyone’s tastes and dig in!

Notes

– You can substitute sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
– Customize toppings according to taste.
– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Stuffing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 25g

Making the Taco Filling for Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

While the potatoes bake, prepare the taco filling. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary. Stir in taco seasoning and a bit of water according to package instructions. Simmer until the mixture thickens and the flavors combine. You can also add diced onions or peppers for extra flavor.

Assembling the Stuffed Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done, carefully slice each one down the middle. Fluff the insides with a fork to create a bed for the filling. Spoon generous portions of the taco meat into each potato. For a creamy texture, you can mix some of the potato flesh with butter or sour cream before adding the meat. Layer the filling until the potato is fully stuffed.

Adding Toppings for Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Now it’s time to add your favorite taco toppings. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat so it melts into the filling. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess. Spoon salsa or diced tomatoes over everything. Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions can be added for a burst of freshness. For a spicy kick, drizzle with hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños.

Serving the Taco Stuffed Potatoes

Serve the stuffed potatoes hot, either as a main dish or a hearty side. Arrange them on a platter for a family meal or game-day gathering. Each stuffed potato can be customized with additional toppings like guacamole or olives. The combination of crispy potato skin and savory taco filling makes for a satisfying dish. They’re easy to serve individually and can be eaten with a fork or simply picked up and enjoyed.

Customizing the Taco Filling for Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Experiment with different proteins to customize the taco filling. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, replace meat with black beans or lentils. Sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu also work well as plant-based alternatives. Mix in corn or diced bell peppers for added texture and sweetness. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken with taco seasoning for a quick and easy swap. Adjust the seasoning levels according to your taste preference.

Exploring Additional Topping Ideas for Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Enhance the flavors by adding creative toppings. Crushed tortilla chips add a crunchy element. Pickled jalapeños provide a tangy kick that complements the richness of the filling. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the potatoes for a zesty burst of flavor. Avocado slices or guacamole introduce creaminess and healthy fats. You can even drizzle chipotle mayo or ranch dressing for an extra layer of taste. Mixing and matching these toppings allows everyone to personalize their stuffed potato.

Making It a Balanced Meal for Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Balance the meal by pairing the stuffed potatoes with side dishes. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette refreshes the palate. Grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus offer a lighter contrast to the hearty potatoes. Serve a bowl of Mexican-style rice or quinoa on the side for added grains. Refried beans or charro beans complement the taco flavors perfectly. Offering a mix of textures and nutrients rounds out the meal and satisfies different appetites.

Meal Prepping and Storage Tips for Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Prepare the components ahead of time for easy meal prep. Cook the potatoes and taco filling in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. Reheat the potatoes in the oven to keep the skin crispy, and warm the filling in a skillet or microwave. Assemble the stuffed potatoes just before serving to maintain freshness. If storing leftovers, keep the toppings separate to avoid sogginess. Properly stored, these taco-stuffed potatoes stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions

Elevate these stuffed potatoes for special gatherings. Serve them as part of a taco-themed dinner spread, allowing guests to build their own. Arrange a toppings bar with various options for customization. For a party, make mini stuffed potatoes using baby or fingerling potatoes for bite-sized versions. These work well as appetizers or snacks. Pair the meal with a selection of Mexican beverages, like margaritas or horchata, to complete the experience.