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
Scale
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