I first made this for my kids on a week when taco night and baked potato night fell back to back. Now they ask for it on chilly evenings and I love how easy it is to throw together.
- Lean ground beef: This forms the hearty taco filling plus it browns beautifully and brings deep savory flavor Choose the freshest beef you can find or swap in turkey for a lighter touch
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy interior makes for fluffy centers while the skin gets extra crisp in the oven Pick medium potatoes that feel heavy for their size and are free of sprouts or green spots
- Taco seasoning: This brings a punch of classic taco flavor with chili powder garlic and cumin Choose your favorite blend or make your own for lower sodium
- Water: Helps the seasoning coat the beef and keeps the taco mixture juicy without being greasy
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded fresh from the block melts smoothly and packs a real cheddar punch Go for extra sharp or even pepper jack for more zip
- Sour cream: Adds a creamy cool contrast to all the rich and spicy toppings Go for full fat for best texture
- Green onions: Fresh and bright these cut through the richness and offer a subtle crunch Select bright green slim bundles
- Fresh tomatoes: Adds brightness juiciness and color Use ripe but firm tomatoes for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash and Prep Potatoes:
- Give each potato a thorough scrub under running water then pierce all over with a fork This will let steam escape and help potatoes cook evenly
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Bake the potatoes in a 400 degree oven directly on the rack for 45 to 50 minutes The skin should be crispy and the inside soft enough for a fork to glide right through
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat Crumble with a spoon and keep cooking until no pink remains and the meat is evenly browned This usually takes 6 to 8 minutes
- Season the Meat:
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef Pour in the water and stir to combine Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes while occasionally stirring until saucy and thickened This step lets the beef absorb tons of flavor
- Prepare Toppings:
- While beef simmers shred the cheese dice the tomatoes and slice the green onions Having all toppings ready makes assembly quick and easy
- Assemble and Serve:
- Slice each baked potato open down the middle then use a fork to fluff up the insides Pile the hot taco beef inside each potato then top open-handedly with plenty of cheese sour cream green onions and tomatoes Serve right away so the cheese melts beautifully
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