Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes (Printable)
Crisp-skinned russets stuffed with seasoned taco-style meat, melty cheese and fresh toppings for a vibrant Tex‑Mex meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Potatoes
01 - 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
→ Taco Meat
02 - 1 pound ground beef or substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
07 - 1/3 cup water
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
10 - 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream
12 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
14 - 1 avocado, diced
15 - 2 green onions, sliced
16 - Salsa or hot sauce, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Prick each potato several times with a fork, rub with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 60 to 70 minutes until skins are crisp and centers are tender.
02 - While potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
03 - Add ground beef (or alternative) to the skillet. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and thoroughly cooked. If necessary, drain excess fat.
04 - Stir in taco seasoning and water, mixing well to combine. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
05 - Once potatoes are ready, let cool slightly. Cut a lengthwise slit in each, gently fluff the interiors using a fork.
06 - Fill each potato generously with taco filling. Top with cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, black olives, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and a preferred amount of salsa or hot sauce.
07 - Serve immediately, offering additional toppings for customization.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You can pile on all of your favorite taco toppings and no two potatoes ever have to look the same.
- The combination of crispy skin, savory fillings, and cool, creamy garnishes makes every bite completely satisfying.
02 -
- If you skip rubbing oil on the potatoes before baking, the skins turn tough and leathery—trust me, I’ve tried.
- Letting everyone top their own potato always leads to more smiles and cleaner plates.
03 -
- Don’t crowd the potatoes on the rack—air around them ensures crisp skin all over.
- Use smoked paprika in your homemade taco seasoning for a subtle campfire flavor.