Loaded Beef Taco Stuffed Potatoes
Loaded Beef Taco Stuffed Potatoes are a fun and hearty twist on your usual baked potato dinner. These potatoes are baked until soft on the inside and crispy on the…
Tip: save now, cook later.Loaded Beef Taco Stuffed Potatoes are a fun and hearty twist on your usual baked potato dinner. These potatoes are baked until soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, then piled high with flavorful seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh tomatoes, and all the classic taco fixings you love. Every bite brings together that cozy potato comfort with bold taco flavors in a really satisfying way.
I love making these because they’re so versatile and easy to dress up however I like. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream and a handful of chopped green onions on top, or a little bit of guacamole if I’m feeling fancy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any taco toppings you have in the fridge. I always find everyone’s plates get cleaned off pretty quickly!
These stuffed potatoes are perfect for a casual weeknight meal or even for entertaining friends. I like to serve them with a side of simple salad or some crunchy tortilla chips to round out the meal. They’re warm, filling, and have that great mix of textures and flavors that make dinner something to look forward to every time I make them.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for baking because their skin crisps well and their insides get fluffy. If you want a quicker bake, try sweet potatoes for a sweeter, softer option.
Ground Beef: I like 80/20 beef for flavor and moisture. For a leaner choice, turkey or chicken work well. You could also swap for plant-based ground for a vegetarian twist.
Taco Seasoning: Using a packet is easy, but making your own lets you control salt and spice levels. Try cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor and melts nicely. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend are delicious alternatives.
Fresh Toppings: I love the crunch and freshness of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Feel free to add avocado, jalapeños, or even black beans for extra texture and flavor.
How Do You Get Crispy Potato Skins and Fluffy Insides?
Perfect baked potatoes need a good balance of crispy skin and soft flesh inside. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by washing and drying the potatoes thoroughly.
- Prick the potatoes with a fork to let steam escape while baking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle salt on the skin. This helps crisp it up and adds flavor.
- Bake directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 45-60 minutes, depending on size.
- Check doneness by poking with a fork; it should slide in easily.
Let the potatoes cool a bit before slicing and stuffing to avoid breaking the skin. This method gives you that perfect crispy shell with a soft, fluffy inside ideal for holding all that tasty beef and toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding potatoes in the oven and catching any drips.
- Fork – to prick potatoes so steam can escape while baking.
- Large skillet – you’ll brown the ground beef and cook onions in it.
- Spoon or spatula – great for stirring and scooping the beef mixture.
- Sharp knife – to slice the baked potatoes open cleanly.
- Mixing bowl – handy for tossing diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro before topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that still holds the taco flavor.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mix for extra texture and a boost of fiber.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist that melts wonderfully.
- Top with guacamole or sliced avocado for creamy richness that balances the spices.
How to Make Loaded Beef Taco Stuffed Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, around 45-60 minutes for baking the potatoes, and an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking the beef and assembling the stuffed potatoes. In total, expect about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and dry them well. Use a fork to prick each potato several times, which helps steam escape while baking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling:
While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer until thickened and fully coated, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Stuff and Assemble the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the potato flesh carefully to create a cavity, leaving the skin intact. Spoon the seasoned beef into each potato half, piling it high. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, then place the potatoes back into the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
4. Add Fresh Toppings and Serve:
Remove the potatoes from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, red onions, chopped cilantro, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Garnish with extra cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like it spicy. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious loaded beef taco stuffed potatoes!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work great and bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the taco flavors. Just bake them the same way, but note they might take slightly less time to cook depending on size.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef filling and bake the potatoes in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then assemble and reheat in the oven until warmed through and the cheese melts.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Potatoes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the skin crispy, or microwave if you’re short on time, though the skin may soften.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, and use the same taco seasoning to keep that classic flavor.