Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes bring the best of both worlds together: the comforting, fluffy interior of a baked potato and the bold, zesty flavors of tacos. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile dish that can please picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

→ Base ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 4-6 medium Russet potatoes

• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

• ½ cup water

→ Delicious toppings

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup green onions, chopped

• ½ cup fresh tomatoes, diced

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pierce them all over with a fork to prevent bursting. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender and the skins are slightly crisp.

2. While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

3. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened and the flavors have melded.

4. Once the potatoes are done, carefully slice each one open lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff up the insides, creating space for the fillings.

5. Spoon the seasoned beef over the potatoes. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa to turn up the heat.

• Mexican-Inspired Toppings: Try sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

• Different Meats: Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or chorizo all make great alternatives.

• Loaded Fiesta Style: Add corn, olives, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave the potatoes until heated through (about 2-3 minutes), or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For best results, store toppings separately and add fresh when reheating.

FAQs

What type of potato is best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes work best because their fluffy interior and sturdy skins hold up well to toppings.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Is it okay to make the potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the potatoes in advance and reheat when ready to serve. Just wait to add toppings until the last minute.

What kind of cheese melts best on these potatoes?

Sharp cheddar is perfect, but you can also use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor.

How do I keep the potato skins crispy?

Rub the skins with olive oil and salt before baking to get extra crispy, flavorful results.

Can I freeze Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes?

It’s not recommended to freeze fully loaded potatoes, but you can freeze the cooked taco meat for later use.

What other toppings work well?

Try guacamole, pico de gallo, hot sauce, corn, olives, or shredded lettuce for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russets?

Yes! Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with spicy taco toppings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if your taco seasoning is gluten-free—check the label to be sure.

How do I serve these for a crowd?

Bake a tray of potatoes, set up a toppings bar, and let guests build their own taco potatoes.

Conclusion

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this satisfying recipe is sure to be a hit. Mix, match, and top your way to a dinner everyone will love.