Name: Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 4-6 medium Russet potatoes; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; ½ cup water; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup green onions, chopped; ½ cup fresh tomatoes, diced

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food mashup, let me introduce you to Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes. Imagine the crispy skin and steamy, fluffy insides of a perfectly baked potato, piled high with warmly spiced taco meat, rivers of melted cheese, cool creamy sour cream, and all your favorite colorful toppings—it’s a Tex-Mex feast that truly feels like a celebration on every plate! These cheerful spuds are just as much fun to make as they are to eat, and every bite is packed with big flavors, satisfying textures, and plenty of opportunities to make them totally your own.

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes serves a delicious purpose—nothing is extra, but each one brings something memorable to the table. This dish is all about building layers of flavor with simple supermarket finds and transforming them into something extraordinary.

Russet potatoes: Their sturdy skins crisp up beautifully and their fluffy interiors soak up every bit of juicy filling.
Lean ground beef: Provides the savory, hearty base, but you can easily swap for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
Taco seasoning (1 packet): The secret to smoky, zesty, instantly recognizable taco flavor—no mixing required!
Water (½ cup): Helps the seasoning evenly coat every morsel of beef while keeping it lovely and juicy.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts luxuriously over the hot beef, adding rich creaminess and tang.
Sour cream: Adds cooling balance and creamy contrast to the bold, savory filling.
Green onions: Bring bright color and a crisp, slightly peppery bite.
Fresh tomatoes: Their juiciness and acidity make the perfect fresh counterpoint to warm, cheesy potatoes.

How to Make Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Start by giving your Russet potatoes a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt. Pierce them all over with a fork—this little step prevents your potatoes from bursting in the oven. Rub them with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for extra crispy skins, then bake at 400°F for about 45-50 minutes. They’re ready when a fork slides in easily and the skins feel crisp yet give a little under your fingers.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat

While your potatoes are sizzling away, heat a large skillet over medium, add your ground beef, and break it up as it browns. Don’t rush this step—you want every bit browned and flavorful! Once there’s no more pink, drain away any excess fat for a less greasy (but still super juicy) topping.

Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle on the taco seasoning and pour in half a cup of water. Stir it all together and simmer for about five minutes; you’ll notice the mixture thickening and smelling absolutely mouthwatering. This is when Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes really start to earn their name!

Step 4: Prepare Potatoes for Topping

Carefully remove the hot baked potatoes from the oven and slice them lengthwise. Gently fluff up the insides with a fork, creating a soft little bed for your taco meat—this ensures every bite is a perfect blend of potato and filling.

Step 5: Load Up the Potatoes

Spoon the hot, seasoned taco beef onto each potato, making sure to really pile it on. Scatter the shredded cheddar over the hot beef so it gets gloriously melty, then add generous dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, and a shower of juicy diced tomatoes. Serve immediately for maximum melty cheese satisfaction!

How to Serve Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Garnishes

This dish is a whole world of flavors, so don’t be shy with the garnishes! Think creamy avocado slices, briny jalapeño rings, tangy pickled onions, fresh cilantro, or even an extra squeeze of lime for brightness. Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes love a little extra flair on top.

Side Dishes

Pair your potatoes with light, crunchy sides to keep things balanced—fresh corn salad, a simple green salad with citrus dressing, or a platter of sliced fruit make wonderful companions. Tortilla chips and salsa also add a fun, party-style crunch alongside your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes into a festive DIY bar for friends and family: set out the baked potatoes with bowls of all your toppings, and let everyone build their dream spud. For a playful spin, scoop out the insides, mix with a bit of cheese and taco beef, refill the skins, and broil for twice-baked taco potato boats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extras (lucky you!), simply store the un-topped baked potatoes and the taco beef mixture separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Toppings like diced tomatoes and green onions should stay chilled and fresh in smaller containers as well—this keeps everything tasting its best for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The good news is, Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Wrap whole, un-topped baked potatoes tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze the cooled taco beef in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with fresh toppings on, as they lose their texture and color after thawing.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat baked potatoes in a 350°F oven until they’re hot and the skins re-crisp (about 15 minutes from thawed or refrigerated). Taco meat is easy to warm in a skillet or the microwave. Assemble with fresh toppings right before serving for that just-made taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add their own natural sweetness to Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes and pair especially well with spicy toppings and fresh cilantro. Simply follow the same baking method and adjust the time as needed, as sweet potatoes might cook slightly faster.

What’s the best way to get super crispy potato skins?

The secret is a light rub of olive oil and sprinkle of salt on your potatoes before baking. Bake them directly on the oven rack instead of a baking sheet if you want them extra crisp—they’ll come out with restaurant-quality skins that are perfect for holding up all those hearty toppings.

Can I make Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes vegetarian?

Yes, and they’re just as satisfying! Swap out ground beef for seasoned black beans, crumbled tofu, or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative. All the classic Tex-Mex toppings still shine, making for a hearty vegetarian treat.

How can I make this meal lighter or healthier?

Opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, load up on veggie toppings like shredded lettuce, bell peppers, and salsa, and lighten the dairy by using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Even with lighter swaps, Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes stay totally craveable!

Can kids help assemble these potatoes?

Definitely! Kids will love loading their own potatoes with their favorite toppings, and it’s a fun way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Just help little ones with slicing open the hot potatoes and handling sharp utensils, but let them take charge of topping duty for a personalized meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you know just how simple, satisfying, and customizable Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes can be. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a cozy dinner, or looking for a new twist on taco night, give these a try—you might just discover your new go-to comfort food!