Cheesy Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Get ready to elevate your taco night with a delicious twist by trying out these mouthwatering Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes. This recipe takes the comforting goodness of loaded potatoes and adds a Tex-Mex flair by topping crispy baked potatoes with savory taco-seasoned beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and a colorful array of fresh toppings. It’s a satisfying meal that brings the best of both worlds together in one unforgettable dish.

I first stumbled upon the idea of Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes when taco night coincidentally followed baked potato night in our household, and it was an instant hit with my family. The versatility of this recipe allows everyone to get creative with their toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal, perfect for game nights or cozy evenings. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or venture into spicy additions like avocado and jalapenos, these loaded potatoes are sure to become a regular favorite on your dinner rotation.

Don’t limit yourself to ground beef; feel free to experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles to suit your preferences. Customize your toppings with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocado, or jalapenos for a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a special dinner, Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that brings a festive twist to a classic comfort food favorite.

Quick Benefits

• Combines the comforting flavors of loaded baked potatoes and taco night into one delicious dish
• Easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
• Offers versatility with options for lighter proteins, vegetarian swaps, and various toppings to suit different preferences
• Can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenience, without compromising on taste

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe

• Combines two comfort classics – loaded potatoes and taco night – into one delicious dish
• Crispy baked potatoes serve as the perfect vessel for warm taco-seasoned beef and plenty of melty cheese
• Customizable – everyone can build their own with a variety of toppings for a personalized meal
• Easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• Sharp cheddar melting into hot potatoes creates a flavorful combination
• Leftovers can be stored and reheated for a quick and tasty meal
• Offers versatility with ingredient swaps like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist
• Vegetarian-friendly option by using beans as a hearty substitute for the taco beef
• Perfect for parties or gatherings – set out toppings for a fun and interactive meal
• Brings Tex Mex flavors to the classic loaded baked potato, adding a festive twist to weeknight dinners
• Fits well at potlucks and holiday tables, pleasing a variety of tastes and preferences

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Base ingredients

• 4–6 medium Russet potatoes
• 454 g lean ground beef
• 120 ml water
• 28 g taco seasoning

Delicious toppings

• 25 g green onions, chopped
• 120 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 85 g fresh tomatoes, diced
• 120 ml sour cream

Pro Tips for Cheesy Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Pro tip 1: For a crispy skin, bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack after pricking them with a fork. This will help achieve that perfect texture for your taco loaded baked potatoes.

Pro tip 2: Experiment with different protein options like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist on the classic beef filling. This allows for versatility and caters to different dietary preferences.

Pro tip 3: To keep leftovers fresh, store the cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently in the oven for the best taste. Keep toppings like sour cream and fresh veggies separate until serving to maintain their freshness and prevent sogginess.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare and bake potatoes

Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes. Use a fork to pierce each potato multiple times to prevent bursting. Place the potatoes on an oven rack and bake at 200°C for 45–50 minutes until fork-tender with slightly yielding skin.

Step 2: Cook ground beef

While the potatoes are baking, cook lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up any clumps. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Season the beef

Combine taco seasoning and water with the browned beef. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and flavors blend.

Step 4: Prepare baked potatoes for serving

After baking, slice each potato lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork to make room for toppings.

Step 5: Assemble loaded potatoes

Spoon seasoned beef over fluffed potatoes, then top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve hot while cheese is melted.

Storage Tips

After making Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Once cooled, store the leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve the crispy texture of the potatoes, it’s recommended to reheat them gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Alternatively, for a quicker option, you can microwave the potatoes; just be cautious not to overheat them to avoid sogginess. To prevent toppings like sour cream and fresh vegetables from becoming soggy, store them separately and add them just before serving.

For variations on this dish, consider using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles as alternatives to beef for different flavors. Vegetarian options can include adding beans like black or pinto beans for a hearty twist. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, for unique melting properties and flavors. Additional toppings like avocado salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced jalapenos can enhance the freshness and spiciness of the dish. Pair these Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes with sides like fresh corn salad or crunchy cabbage slaw for a complete meal, or serve them as a party platter with various toppings for guests to customize their own delicious creations.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, you can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives will still provide that delicious taco flavor while reducing the overall fat content of the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based crumbles as a flavorful swap for the meat.

If you want to switch up the cheese, Monterey Jack or Colby are great alternatives to sharp cheddar. These cheeses also melt beautifully and will add a different flavor profile to your loaded baked potatoes. Additionally, if you’re looking to add some extra freshness to the dish, consider incorporating ingredients like avocado salsa or shredded lettuce as tasty add-ons.

To make this recipe even more convenient, you can bake the potatoes ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then reheat and assemble with the taco filling and fresh toppings when you’re ready to enjoy. This meal is a versatile option for gatherings or busy weeknight dinners, allowing everyone to customize their taco loaded baked potatoes with their favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive meal idea, set up a DIY Taco Loaded Baked Potato bar for your next gathering. Bake a batch of perfectly crispy Russet potatoes and keep them warm in the oven. Place toppings like taco-seasoned ground beef, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado, and jalapenos in separate bowls. Let your guests build their own loaded baked potatoes with their favorite toppings for a personalized Tex Mex experience.

For a twist on traditional taco night, try serving mini versions of these Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes as finger food at your next party. Use baby potatoes instead of medium-sized ones for a cute and bite-sized option. Top each mini potato with a spoonful of taco-seasoned filling, a sprinkle of melty cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. These mini loaded potatoes are sure to be a hit with guests looking for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer option.

FAQs for Cheesy Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or alternative taco-flavored filling.

How should I store leftover taco loaded baked potatoes?

Cool the leftover potatoes fully before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 350 degrees or use a microwave for quick results. Keep toppings like sour cream and fresh veggies separate until serving to maintain their freshness.

What are some additional toppings I can add to these taco loaded baked potatoes?

You can customize your taco loaded baked potatoes with toppings like salsa, avocado, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or avocado salsa for extra freshness and flavor. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Can I prepare the baked potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the taco loaded baked potatoes. This make-ahead step can help streamline the preparation process and make mealtime easier.

Conclusion

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes are such a delightful twist on classic comfort food favorites. The marriage of crispy baked potatoes with savory taco-seasoned beef and a medley of toppings creates a meal that’s not only delicious but also fun to customize. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, these loaded potatoes are sure to be a hit.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and make these Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes your own. From different protein options to a variety of cheeses and fresh garnishes, the possibilities are endless. And if you have leftovers, simply store them properly and enjoy the flavorful meal again within a few days. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these tasty potatoes and let the taco-inspired goodness shine through in every bite!

Cheesy Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes: Crispy potatoes loaded with taco-seasoned beef, gooey cheddar, and fresh toppings for a Tex-Mex twist on comfort food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time50 Minutes

Total Time60 Minutes

CuisineMexican-Inspired

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Base ingredients

• 4–6 medium Russet potatoes
• 454 g lean ground beef
• 120 ml water
• 28 g taco seasoning

Delicious toppings

• 25 g green onions, chopped
• 120 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 85 g fresh tomatoes, diced
• 120 ml sour cream

Instructions

1. Prepare and bake potatoes: Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes. Use a fork to pierce each potato multiple times to prevent bursting. Place the potatoes on an oven rack and bake at 200°C for 45–50 minutes until fork-tender with slightly yielding skin.
2. Cook ground beef: While the potatoes are baking, cook lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up any clumps. Drain any excess grease if needed.
3. Season the beef: Combine taco seasoning and water with the browned beef. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and flavors blend.
4. Prepare baked potatoes for serving: After baking, slice each potato lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork to make room for toppings.
5. Assemble loaded potatoes: Spoon seasoned beef over fluffed potatoes, then top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve hot while cheese is melted.