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A close-up view of a taco stuffed baked potato, highlighting the seasoned ground beef filling and melted cheese before other toppings are added.

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

These Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes are the ultimate weeknight dinner, combining fluffy baked potatoes with seasoned taco meat, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. A satisfying and customizable meal the whole family will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Baked Potatoes
  • 4 large Russet potatoes scrubbed clean
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt
For the Taco Meat
  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 recommended
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
For Topping (Optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • Chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, guacamole for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Large Skillet

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, pat them dry, and pierce several times with a fork.
  2. Rub the potatoes all over with olive oil and coarse sea salt. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender.
  3. While potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
  6. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise. Fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the taco meat mixture into each potato. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and any other desired toppings before serving.

Notes

Crispy Skin Tip: For the crispiest skin, do not wrap the potatoes in foil. Baking them directly on the oven rack is key.
Make-Ahead: You can bake the potatoes and prepare the taco meat up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling.
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