Taco Baked Potatoes
Craving comfort food that’s easy to make at home? Meet your new lazy favorite: super easy taco baked potatoes. This simple, no-chop dinner is as comforting and delicious as it gets, with minimal prep, quick clean-up, and a surprising boost of protein. You’ll also love my easy chicken enchiladas, crispy beef tacos, and sweet potato chili.
Shannon’s 5-star review ⭐️ “Super simple and delicious! Love a creative high protein take on a baked potato and will def try your other versions.”
Simple, Satisfying, And Surprisingly Nutritious
I really love a loaded potato for dinner (try my sloppy joe sweet potatoes too!) because it’s so filling and satisfying, while still offering lots of nutrition. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Flavorful and comforting. Fluffy baked potato, cheesy taco filling, and lots of satisfying toppings make for a warm and delicious dinner you’ll be excited to eat.
- Super easy to make. While your potato is baking, you’ll whip up a simple 5-ingredient filling – then you just assemble, garnish, and enjoy!
- Surprisingly nutritious. This dinner doesn’t taste healthy, but it does offer some sneaky protein, fiber, and micronutrients to support your health.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Russet potatoes: I love to use Russet because of their crispy skin and fluffy interior when baked. You can substitute for Yukon gold, red potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
- Taco seasoning: The flavor of taco seasoning matters, so use a good one! My favorite by far is the Spicy Taco Seasoning by Siete.
- Prepared salsa: This is used in the cheesy taco filling, and I find a runny restaurant-style works best for the right texture. Avoid chunky salsa if you can.
- Lots of toppings: The toppings are key for the most satisfying stuffed potatoes! My favorites are sour cream, diced onion, diced jalapeno, and avocado – but I’ve included more suggestions in the recipe card.
Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed recipe and full ingredients list.
How To Make Stuffed Taco Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Rub oil on your potatoes, season, and bake.
Step 2: Brown meat and stir in taco seasoning and salsa.
Step 3: When your potatoes are done, add cheese and lime juice to your taco filling.
Step 4: Assemble, add toppings, and enjoy immediately!
Explore more high-protein recipes and high-fiber recipes. And be sure to download my free list of protein foods, and high-fiber foods list.
Dietitian tip! 💡Make these changes to fit your dietary needs:
- Drain all excess fat after the meat is cooked
- Add lentils to your taco filling for fiber
- Use low sodium taco seasoning
- Swap beef for chicken
- Use nutrient-dense toppings like Greek yogurt and diced veggies
Expert Tips
- Prepare your potatoes properly. The key to a delicious baked potato is to rub it in oil and season it heavily. Don’t skip this step – or the potato will taste bland.
- Use a good taco seasoning. The flavor of your taco seasoning really matters. I always use the Spicy Taco Seasoning by Siete, but you can use any brand you love.
- Adjust the salsa if needed. Your taco filling should be moist and cheesy, and definitely not dry. If needed, add a bit more salsa to reach the desired consistency.
Common Questions
Keep your potatoes, filling, and toppings stored separately in the fridge for up to four days. Re-heat your potatoes and beef filling separately in the microwave (60-90 seconds, stirring as needed). Once they’re warmed through, assemble your potatoes, add toppings, and enjoy!
Sure! I chose to serve half a potato per person because that ratio of filling-to-potato worked best in my recipe testing. If you decide to serve a whole potato per person, I’d recommend using smaller potatoes. Also, I like to slice baked potatoes in half because it helps them cook faster, and gives them a crispy top – so don’t skip this step!
More Easy and Satisfying Dinner Ideas
Need more tasty dinners for busy nights? Here are my favorites:
- One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
- Easy Pizza Beans
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
- Sweet Potato Burger Bowls
- Lazy Lasagna Recipe
If you tried my Taco Baked Potatoes, please ⭐️ rate and comment below! And don’t forget to share a pic on Instagram.
Taco Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
Baked Potatoes
- 2 medium russet potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
Beef Filling
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, I use the Siete spicy taco seasoning
- 1 cup mild salsa, I prefer smoother restaurant-style and not chunky
- ½ cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
Optional Topping Ideas
- more shredded cheese
- sour cream, or whole milk Greek yogurt
- diced avocado
- diced onion, white or red
- freshly squeezed lime juice
- more ideas: more shredded cheese, hot sauce, cilantro, crema, cotija cheese, fresh jalapenos, pickled jalapenos, salsa, guacamole
Equipment
- baking tray (I use a half sheet pan)
- large non-sick pan
Instructions
- Position your oven rack to the middle and pre-heat to 400 F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- To your large mixing bowl, add potato halves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings into each potato. You can also do this right on the baking tray, but I find it easier to coat the potatoes when they’re in a bowl.
- Place potatoes on the baking tray flat side down and arrange so they’re not touching. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they are very easy to pierce with a fork.
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare taco meat. Heat your pan to medium and add ground beef. Cook and crumble until browned with minimal pink remaining, stirring in taco seasoning halfway.
- Turn the heat to low. Stir in salsa. Cover and simmer until your potatoes are done.
- When you’re ready to start assembling your potatoes, turn off the heat on the beef mixture and stir in cheese and lime juice until melted and smooth. Your filling should be moist and smooth — if it's looking dry, stir in more salsa.
- Time to serve! To each plate, add half a potato flat side up. Scoop ¼ of the beef filling over each potato. Add lots of toppings, and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Nutrition information calculated without toppings.
Super simple and delicious!!!!!
Love a creative high protein take on a baked potato and will def try your other versions soon as well