Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired “Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes” offer a mouthwatering fusion of crispy potato skins and zesty taco fillings. Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large baked potatoes
- 1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
- 1 cup salsa
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 packet store-bought
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure optimal potato roasting conditions.
- Thoroughly cleanse the potatoes, puncture multiple times with a fork to allow steam release, and position them on the baking sheet for even heat distribution.
- Roast potatoes for 45-60 minutes until they reach a tender consistency, with skin slightly crisp and interior soft and fluffy.
- Allow potatoes to cool for 10-15 minutes, which makes handling easier and prevents potential burning.
- While potatoes roast, activate a skillet over medium heat for preparing the taco meat mixture.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, incorporating diced onions and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
- Cook the meat mixture, stirring occasionally, until beef browns completely and onions become translucent, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet to maintain a cleaner, less fatty texture.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, then integrate water and salsa to create a rich, robust sauce.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
- Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, gently spreading the sides to create a generous filling pocket.
- Season potato interiors with salt and pepper, then lightly mash with a fork to create a creamy base.
- Generously fill each potato with the seasoned taco meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Embellish with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Optional: Place stuffed potatoes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
- Serve immediately while potatoes remain warm and toppings are fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- Select potatoes with uniform size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Prick potatoes thoroughly to prevent potential steam buildup and potential potato explosions during baking.
- Consider using lean ground beef or turkey to reduce overall fat content and make the recipe healthier.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends like Mexican, Cajun, or Southwest spice mixes for varied flavor profiles.
- Prepare extra taco meat mixture for quick meal prep and versatile leftovers that can be used in tacos, burritos, or salads.
- Opt for low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and create a more inclusive recipe.
- Roast additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini with the potatoes to enhance nutritional value and add more depth to the dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg