The ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites, these Taco Potatoes with Ground Beef bring together the fluffiness of baked potatoes and the bold flavors of taco night. Loaded with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and classic toppings like sour cream and green onions, this dish is hearty, filling, and perfect for sharing.
Great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is both fun to make and satisfying to eat. You can customize the toppings to your taste, think avocado, hot sauce, or jalapeños for a kick! It’s a creative way to transform taco night into something unexpectedly delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 large russet potatoes
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon taco seasoning
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1/2 cup water
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
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1/4 cup sliced green onions
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Scrub the potatoes clean, poke with a fork, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.
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While potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
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Stir in taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
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When potatoes are done, let cool slightly. Slice open and fluff the insides with a fork.
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Spoon taco beef mixture into each potato. Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutes
Kcal: 465 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Taco Potatoes with Ground Beef – A Hearty Fusion That’s Pure Comfort
When comfort food meets bold flavor, magic happens and that’s exactly the story behind these Taco Potatoes with Ground Beef. This dish takes two beloved classics, baked potatoes and taco filling and combines them into one ultra-satisfying, all-in-one meal. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, warms you from the inside out, and makes weeknight dinners something to actually look forward to.
Whether you’re cooking for a family of picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking to change up your taco routine, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, easy to scale up or down, and packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
The Origin of This Fusion Favorite
Taco Potatoes aren’t rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine or American comfort food, they’re a fusion dish, born from culinary creativity and practicality. At its heart, this recipe is all about using what’s available in your kitchen and making the most of simple ingredients.
The concept likely started in home kitchens, especially in the U.S., where both tacos and baked potatoes are staples. Think of it as a natural progression: what happens when your leftover taco meat needs a new home? Enter: the humble baked potato. The result is an incredibly comforting, delicious mashup that feels both nostalgic and new.
Taco Potatoes are now gaining popularity in restaurants, food trucks, and home kitchens alike, appreciated for their flavor versatility and satisfying nature.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There are several reasons why this dish is a home run every time:
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Balanced Flavor Profile: The creamy, starchy base of the baked potato pairs perfectly with the well-seasoned taco meat. Add melty cheese, sour cream, fresh toppings like tomatoes and green onions, and you have a dish that hits every flavor note: savory, tangy, spicy, and fresh.
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Texture Contrast: The crisped-up potato skin adds a bite that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef and gooey cheese. The toppings add even more texture, from juicy tomatoes to the cool, smooth sour cream.
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Customizable for All Tastes: Vegetarian? Sub in black beans or plant-based crumbles. Watching your carbs? Use sweet potatoes instead. Want heat? Toss on some jalapeños or hot sauce. This dish welcomes variations with open arms.
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Easy to Make Ahead: You can bake your potatoes and cook your beef ahead of time. Store them separately, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
For this recipe, russet potatoes are ideal. They’re starchy, fluffy on the inside, and hold their shape well when baked. Their thick skin crisps up nicely in the oven, creating a perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings.
Other potato options:
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Sweet Potatoes: Great for a slightly sweet contrast to the taco meat. Also higher in fiber and vitamin A.
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Yukon Gold: Creamier in texture but smaller in size. You may want to use two per person.
Make sure to scrub your potatoes well and dry them completely. A light rubs with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt before baking enhances their flavor and texture significantly.
Ground Beef – Tips for Rich, Flavorful Filling
The taco filling is the heart of this dish. Using 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) provides the best balance of flavor and moisture. You can always drain excess fat after browning.
To elevate the taste:
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Sauté aromatics first: Cooking onion and garlic before adding the beef layers in flavor.
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Use a good taco seasoning: Whether homemade or store-bought, your seasoning should include cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne.
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Simmer with water or broth: After browning the beef and adding seasoning, simmering helps the spices bloom and the mixture thicken into a taco-sauce consistency.
Feel free to mix in extras like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for added bulk, color, and nutrition.
Topping Ideas – Make It Your Own
This dish is all about layering flavor and color, and toppings play a huge role in that. Here are some ideas:
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Cheeses: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for heat
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Creamy elements: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado crema
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Fresh crunch: Chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced red onions
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Herbs and heat: Cilantro, jalapeños, green onions, hot sauce
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Extras: Salsa, guacamole, lime wedges, cotija cheese
Each topping can be tailored to dietary needs, flavor preferences, or what’s in your fridge.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
One serving of this taco potato provides a hearty amount of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Depending on the toppings and portion sizes, here’s a general estimate:
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Calories: 450–500 kcal
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Protein: 25–30g
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Fiber: 4–6g
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Carbs: 35–45g
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Fat: 20–25g
To lighten it up:
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Use lean ground turkey or chicken
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Opt for low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt
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Add more veggies or swap potato for a lower-carb base like cauliflower mash
Great for Meal Prep or Family Dinners
One of the best things about taco potatoes is that they scale up easily. Double the beef mixture and bake a whole tray of potatoes for a party or meal prep.
Store leftovers in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. You can even re-crisp the potatoes in an air fryer before serving.
Kids love them, too—especially if you let them build their own with toppings of choice. It’s interactive, fun, and a sneaky way to get them to eat more veggies.
Variations to Try
Want to experiment? Here are some fun spins on the classic:
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Southwest Chicken Potatoes: Swap beef for shredded chicken seasoned with chili and cumin, add black beans and corn
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BBQ Pulled Pork Potatoes: A Southern twist with smoky pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw
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Veggie Fiesta Potatoes: Use roasted cauliflower, black beans, and sautéed peppers with vegan cheese
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Buffalo Beef Potatoes: Mix in buffalo sauce with ground beef, top with ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles
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Breakfast Taco Potatoes: Add scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and a dash of salsa for a brunch-worthy version
Each variation brings a unique flavor profile while keeping the core concept intact.
Serving Suggestions
While these Taco Potatoes are a full meal on their own, you can serve them with light sides or drinks to round things out:
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Side Salad: A crisp romaine or arugula salad with lime vinaigrette
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Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Adds creamy, tangy balance
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Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Always a crowd-pleaser
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Agua Fresca or Margaritas: For a themed dinner night
They also make a fun main course at a DIY taco bar-style dinner party. Bake the potatoes, set out toppings, and let guests customize their own. It’s a hands-off hosting win!
Conclusion
Taco Potatoes with Ground Beef are the ultimate blend of comfort and flavor. They take the satisfying simplicity of baked potatoes and give them a bold, zesty upgrade with seasoned taco beef, gooey cheese, and a rainbow of fresh toppings. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just looking to treat yourself mid-week, this dish brings the joy of tacos and the comfort of potatoes into one hearty, irresistible meal.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, just a little prep, some creativity, and a big appetite. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your dinner rotation.