The Perfect Taco Potatoes Recipe for Fiesta Night Flavors
Crispy, golden taco potatoes dance with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
Spuds become extraordinary when seasoned with zesty spices and topped with melted cheese.
Wild textures and intense aromas transform simple ingredients into something magical.
Comfort food meets excitement in this mouthwatering dish that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.
Weekend meals deserve something spectacular and unexpected.
Each bite promises a delightful combination of creamy potatoes and vibrant taco seasonings.
You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible culinary adventure.
Taco Potatoes: Bold and Tasty
Ingredients Needed for Taco Potatoes
Main Ingredients:Cheese and Dairy:Toppings and Garnishes:How to Prepare Taco Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Potato Base
Warm the oven to 400F (200C).
Thoroughly wash potatoes under running water.
Use a fork to create several punctures across the potato surface.
Place potatoes directly on oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes until they feel soft when gently squeezed.
Step 2: Create Savory Taco Filling
Heat a skillet over medium flame.
Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking meat into small crumbles.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over meat and pour recommended water amount.
Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Craft Potato Vessels
Remove potatoes from oven and let cool briefly.
Slice each potato lengthwise using a sharp knife.
Use a spoon to create a slight hollow in each potato half, creating space for delicious toppings.
Step 4: Layer Delicious Toppings
Generously distribute taco meat across potato halves.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over warm meat.
Add fresh salsa for extra zest.
Optional toppings include:Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Complete the dish with fresh garnishes:Serve immediately while potatoes remain warm and crispy.
Pro Tips for Taco Potatoes
Creative Variations for Taco Potatoes
Serving Ideas for Taco Potatoes
Storage Recommendations for Taco Potatoes
FAQs
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply cook it the same way you would ground beef with taco seasoning.
Russet potatoes work best because they’re starchy and become fluffy when baked, but you can also use other large baking potatoes like Idaho or Yukon Gold.
Add some diced jalapeños, use a hot taco seasoning blend, or include a spicy salsa to increase the heat level according to your preference.
Check your taco seasoning packet for gluten content, but generally, this recipe can be easily made gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free taco seasoning mix.
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Taco Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hearty taco potatoes deliver a flavor-packed Mexican-inspired meal combining crispy potato wedges with zesty seasoned ground beef. Melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a creamy sauce complete this satisfying dinner that you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Sauce:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
Toppings:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded lettuce
- 1 diced tomato
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapenos, guacamole, black olives, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash potatoes and puncture with a fork. Roast at 400F (200C) for 45-50 minutes until completely soft and easily pierced.
- While potatoes roast, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Incorporate taco seasoning and recommended water amount, allowing mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully slice roasted potatoes lengthwise, creating a boat-like shape. Gently hollow out center if desired, creating more space for toppings.
- Layer each potato half generously with seasoned taco meat, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over warm meat, allowing it to slightly melt from the potato’s residual heat.
- Add vibrant salsa across the potato, creating a colorful and flavorful layer.
- Garnish with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of cool sour cream for a complete and visually appealing presentation.
- Serve immediately while potatoes remain warm and toppings are fresh.
Notes
- Enhance potato texture by rubbing skin with olive oil and coarse salt before baking for crispier exterior.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian alternatives that maintain delicious taco flavor profile.
- Control portion sizes by using smaller potatoes or cutting larger ones into smaller sections for individual servings.
- Prepare taco meat filling ahead of time and store in refrigerator to streamline weeknight meal preparation and reduce cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 585 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Amanda Bennett
Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling
Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.