Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a hearty, flavor-packed twist on traditional baked potatoes. Fluffy Russet potatoes are loaded with seasoned taco meat and topped with melted cheese, then finished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or green onions. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the comfort of baked potatoes with the bold flavors of tacos
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
High-protein and naturally gluten-free
Great for weeknight dinners, casual parties, or potlucks
Excellent meal prep option

Ingredients Breakdown

Lean ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and protein
Russet potatoes: Provide a starchy, fluffy base that holds up well to stuffing
Taco seasoning (1 packet): Infuses the beef with bold, classic taco flavor
Water: Helps dissolve and distribute the taco seasoning evenly
Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice): Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream: Adds cool, creamy contrast
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, mild bite
- Salsa: Adds zest and a bit of heat

Tips and Tricks

Quick prep option: Microwave the potatoes for 10–12 minutes if you’re short on time.
Make it healthier: Substitute ground turkey or chicken and use low-fat cheese.
Vegetarian version: Use black beans, pinto beans, or lentils instead of beef.
Double the batch: Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Variations and Customizations

Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, or chopped tomatoes.
Buffalo Chicken: Swap beef for buffalo-seasoned chicken and drizzle with ranch.
Breakfast Option: Top with scrambled eggs, beef bacon, and cheese.
Extra cheesy: Mix in queso or nacho cheese for added richness.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a side of Mexican rice or corn salad.
Pair with a refreshing limeade or classic iced tea.
Add tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap each cooled potato in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Microwave or bake until fully heated through.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy baked potatoes stuffed with spicy taco meat, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings—sour cream, salsa, jalapeños—you name it! A fun, filling twist on taco night

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef
4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
½ cup water
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Toppings: sour cream, green onions, salsa (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until tender.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
Drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning and water, then stir to combine.
Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly.
Cut each one down the middle and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
Spoon the taco meat mixture into each potato.
Top with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Return the filled potatoes to the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and top with your choice of sour cream, green onions, or salsa.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

These Cheesy Taco Potatoes are an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a taco in a hearty baked potato. They’re simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any night of the week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American