Name: Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Jump to Recipe

Get ready for a dinner that’ll put a huge smile on your face: Cheesy Taco Potatoes are everything you crave in a comfort meal, rolled together into a single, utterly irresistible package. Fluffy baked russet potatoes cradle tender taco-spiced beef, mountains of gooey cheddar, and all your favorite zesty toppings—making this a weeknight favorite that truly never gets old. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting game night, or just treating yourself, Cheesy Taco Potatoes deliver that perfect blend of hearty, cheesy, and fresh every single time.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create these bold and colorful Cheesy Taco Potatoes. Each one plays an important part—adding flavor, richness, texture, or that perfect finishing touch.

Russet potatoes: Choose large ones; their fluffy interior soaks up all the delicious taco juices and toppings.
Ground beef: This is your hearty, protein-packed base, and it takes all the taco flavors perfectly.
Taco seasoning: Whether it’s a store-bought packet or homemade, it’s what turns simple beef into taco night magic.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted cheddar brings that creamy, slightly sharp richness that’s impossible to resist.
Sour cream: Cool, tangy, and creamy—this is the refreshing topping that brings all the flavors together.
Chopped green onions: They add color, crunch, and a mild onion bite that balances the richness.
Diced tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and vibrant, tomatoes keep every bite bright and fresh.
Sliced black olives: For a salty, savory punch—scatter these over the top before serving.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh and herbal, cilantro brings a burst of color and a hint of citrusy zest.
Olive oil: Just a little helps crisp the potato skins and add a hint of flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right—don’t skip them!

How to Make Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your russet potatoes a good scrub and pat them dry—no grit allowed! Prick each potato a few times with a fork, rub them down with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Pop them onto a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, until they’re fork-tender and the skins are crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Meat

Once the potatoes are in the oven, grab a skillet and brown your ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break up any clumps, letting the beef get nice and crumbly. When it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat. Sprinkle over your favorite taco seasoning and add water as directed on the seasoning packet. Stir everything together then let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so the meat gets juicy and deeply flavored.

Step 3: Prep the Potatoes for Filling

When your potatoes are ready, let them cool just enough to handle—no burnt fingers, please! Use a sharp knife to cut a slit down the top of each potato. Gently squeeze the sides so the fluffy inside opens up, creating the perfect spot for your delicious fillings.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Spoon a generous heap of the taco meat into each potato. Then shower them with shredded cheddar cheese, making sure every crevice gets that golden, melty goodness. Return the loaded potatoes to the oven for an extra 5 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and irresistible.

Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve

Once the cheese is beautifully melted, pull the potatoes from the oven and get creative with your toppings. Dollop with sour cream, scatter on green onions, diced tomatoes, olives, and cilantro. The combination of hot, cheesy, savory, and fresh is absolutely unbeatable—serve immediately and dig in.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Garnishes

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are all about those vibrant, contrasting toppings. A little sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sliced green onions makes each potato feel restaurant-worthy. If you love a little zing, a squeeze of lime or even a dash of hot sauce will wake up the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can round out the meal with a side salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, some roasted corn, or crispy tortilla chips and salsa. These sides add crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the stuffed potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful party twist, try serving Cheesy Taco Potatoes as a build-your-own potato bar—set out all the toppings and let everyone make theirs just how they like it. Or slice each potato in half for perfect appetizer-sized portions at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra Cheesy Taco Potatoes, let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in foil or seal in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze baked, assembled potatoes (sans fresh toppings) if you want to prepare in advance. Cool them first, wrap well in foil or plastic wrap, and store in freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the potatoes and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, you can microwave them, but the oven helps keep the potato skin crisp. Add your favorite toppings after reheating and enjoy a meal that tastes like it was just made!

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a delicious, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory taco meat and cheese. Just remember, they’ll cook a bit faster than russets, so start checking doneness around the 35–40-minute mark.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Potatoes vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or even a plant-based crumbled “meat” alternative. Keep the taco seasoning and all the toppings for the same bold, cheesy results.

What other cheese works well in this recipe?

If you want to mix it up, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Each type gives you a different flavor twist while ensuring that crave-worthy melted cheese topping.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To dial up the heat, add diced jalapeños to the ground beef, use spicy taco seasoning, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top. Don’t forget to set out hot sauce for those who want an extra kick!

Can I prepare Cheesy Taco Potatoes in advance for a party?

Yes! You can bake the potatoes, prepare the taco meat, and even stuff and cheese them in advance. Store everything in the fridge, then reheat and add toppings just before serving—it’s a fantastic make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant dinner that always hits the spot, give Cheesy Taco Potatoes a try. They’re fun, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Get creative, pile on the toppings, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food!

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious twist on traditional baked potatoes, filled with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. Perfect for a fun and satisfying meal!

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes, pat them dry, pierce with a fork, rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 45 minutes.
Cook the beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble: Cut a slit in each potato, fill with beef, top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 5 minutes.
Finish: Top with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican