Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes
A comforting and budget-friendly recipe that combines fluffy baked potatoes with spiced ground beef and melty cheese, making it a perfect choice for quick family meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large baking potatoes Russets work best for fluffy interiors and crispy skins.
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef Choose lean or medium-lean.
Seasoning
- 1 packet taco seasoning Or about 2 tablespoons of homemade mix.
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Choose sharper cheddar for more tang.
Toppings
- to taste sour cream Plain Greek yogurt can be used for extra protein and tang.
- to taste chopped green onions Use green parts only for a milder finish.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- optional squeeze of lime, chopped cilantro, or a spoonful of salsa For topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the potatoes and poke holes with a fork 6-8 times per potato.
- Place them on a baking sheet and rub with a little oil and salt.
Baking Potatoes
- Bake the potatoes for 45–60 minutes until tender.
Cooking the Meat
- While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet to medium.
- Brown the ground beef in the skillet for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain excess fat and add the taco seasoning, simmering as per package instructions.
Combining Ingredients
- When the potatoes are done, let them cool for 5 minutes, then cut in half and scoop out some flesh.
- Combine the scooped potato flesh with the beef mixture and half the shredded cheese.
- Fill the potato skins with the mixture and top with remaining cheese.
Final Baking
- Return the filled potatoes to the oven for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Serving
- Serve topped with sour cream, green onions, and a squeeze of lime as desired.
Notes
Leftovers keep well and reheat beautifully, making this a great option for meal prep. For more flavor, toast a pinch of taco seasoning in the pan before adding beef.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 28gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2g
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