Cheesy Taco Potatoes
The ultimate comfort food mash-up, Cheesy Taco Potatoes delivers all the zesty, savory flavors of taco night in a hearty, cheesy potato package. This simple, one-dish meal is made with basic pantry staples, is highly customizable for picky eaters, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 pound Ground beef (85/15 lean/fat)
- 1/2 cup Yellow onion, diced
- 1 (1 oz) Taco seasoning packet
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- For serving: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes, poke several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and place directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until tender.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once no longer pink, add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Once potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Place the open potatoes on a baking sheet. Divide the taco meat mixture evenly among them.
- Top each potato generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Notes
Pro Tips: For faster cooking, microwave potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking. Drain grease from the beef to prevent a greasy dish. Fluffing the potato insides helps hold the toppings. For extra crispy skin, rub with extra oil and salt before baking.
Substitutions: Sweet potatoes can be used instead of Russet. Ground turkey, chicken, or lentils can replace ground beef. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese also work well.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes for best results. Freezing is not recommended.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad, Mexican rice, black beans, or guacamole. Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
Calories: 632kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 42gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1550mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2g
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