Description
Fluffy baked Russet potatoes are stuffed with savory taco-seasoned ground beef, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and finished with fresh, flavorful toppings. This hearty, family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Cooking spray
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, then pierce each several times with a fork.
- Lightly coat the potatoes with cooking spray, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until fork-tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Slice each potato open lengthwise, fluff the interior with a fork, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Spoon the seasoned taco beef evenly over each potato.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Finish with sour cream, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes before serving.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
Add black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
Top with jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, salsa, olives, or guacamole for extra taco-inspired flavor.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the potatoes and taco meat separately.
Freeze the potatoes and taco meat without fresh toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
