Easy Taco Baked Potatoes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Potatoes
01 -
4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cut in half lengthwise
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 teaspoon salt
04 -
Black pepper to taste
→ For the Taco Filling
05 -
1 pound lean ground beef
06 -
1½ tablespoons taco seasoning (adjust based on your preference)
07 -
¾ cup medium salsa
08 -
¼ cup water
09 -
¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Optional Toppings
10 -
Fresh lime wedges
11 -
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
12 -
Extra salsa
13 -
Fresh or pickled jalapeños
14 -
Diced red onion
15 -
Additional cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven rack in the center position and heat it up to 400°F. Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper, then set it off to the side.
02 -
Take a big mixing bowl and toss in your potato halves along with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix until the potatoes are nicely coated.
03 -
Place each potato half cut-side down on your prepared baking tray. Make sure they're spread out evenly with a bit of space between them so they can crisp up properly.
04 -
Pop the potatoes in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You'll know they're done when the bottoms turn golden brown and a fork slides through them easily.
05 -
While your potatoes are doing their thing in the oven, heat up a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, then break it up with your spatula. Keep cooking and crumbling until the meat is nicely browned with no pink spots left.
06 -
Turn the heat down to medium and stir in the salsa and water. Let everything simmer uncovered for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens up a bit.
07 -
Turn off the heat completely and mix in your grated cheese. Stir it through until it melts and blends into the taco meat.
08 -
Put two potato halves on each plate with the cut sides facing up. Spoon a generous amount of the taco meat over each half. Add whatever toppings you like, and finish everything off with a fresh squeeze of lime juice.
# Notes:
01 -
Nutrition information is calculated without any toppings added.
02 -
This recipe makes a healthy, low-effort dinner that's perfect for taco night with a fun twist.