Introduction
Transform humble potatoes into an explosion of flavor with our Taco Potatoes recipe! This easy, crowd-pleasing dish takes your average baked potato to a whole new level, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. Get ready for a taste of fiesta fun!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s simple, customizable, and utterly delicious! The combination of crispy potatoes, savory taco seasoning, and your favorite toppings is a winning combination that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked potatoes.
Key Ingredients
🥔 4 large russet potatoes
🌮 1 packet taco seasoning
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🧅 ½ cup chopped onion
🍅 ½ cup chopped tomatoes
🥑 ¼ cup chopped avocado (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
2️⃣ Pierce each potato several times with a fork to prevent them from exploding in the oven.
3️⃣ Bake the potatoes for about 1 hour, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
4️⃣ While the potatoes are baking, prepare your toppings. Chop the onion and tomatoes.
5️⃣ Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully cut them lengthwise.
6️⃣ Fluff the inside of each potato with a fork.
7️⃣ Sprinkle each potato generously with taco seasoning.
8️⃣ Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and tomatoes.
9️⃣ If using, add a dollop of sour cream and chopped avocado.
🔟 Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
1️⃣1️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra crispy skin, brush the potatoes with a little olive oil before baking.
- If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Other great options include shredded lettuce, black olives, jalapeños, salsa, and even a fried egg.
Heat Control
Baking the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) ensures they cook through evenly and develop a fluffy interior with crispy skin. Lowering the temperature might result in undercooked potatoes, while increasing it could burn the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from the crispy potato skin and any added crunchy toppings like tortilla chips or crispy bacon.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For faster cooking, microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking.
- Add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese to the potato filling before adding the toppings for extra cheesy goodness.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the taco seasoning.
Storage Tips
Leftover Taco Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These aren’t typically a giftable item, unless you’re taking them to a potluck! If doing so, consider a festive foil container or a cute baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Taco Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the taco seasoning for a fiery twist.
🌟 BBQ Ranch Potatoes: Use BBQ seasoning instead of taco seasoning and top with ranch dressing.
🌟 Cheesy Bacon Potatoes: Add crispy bacon bits and extra cheese for a decadent treat.
🌟 Mexican Street Corn Potatoes: Top with crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
Troubleshooting
- Potatoes are undercooked: Bake for a longer time, checking for doneness with a fork.
- Potatoes are too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of water to the bottom of the baking dish before baking.
- Cheese is not melting: Ensure your oven is set to the correct temperature and bake for a little longer.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Russet potatoes are best for baking, but you can experiment with other starchy potatoes.
- Can I make these ahead of time? It’s best to bake the potatoes just before serving to maintain their crispiness. You can prep the toppings ahead however.
- How many does this recipe serve? This recipe serves 4.
- Can I freeze Taco Potatoes? It’s not recommended to freeze baked potatoes as the texture will change upon thawing.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this easy and delicious Taco Potatoes recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think – share your photos and reviews on Ratemyrecipes.com! Enjoy the fiesta!
Taco Potato Party in a Skin!
A fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, served in crispy potato skins for a perfect party dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400u00b0C (204u00b0F).
- Scrub the potatoes clean, pierce them with a fork, and rub with olive oil. Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to create bowls.
- Fill each potato half with the taco mixture, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, broil the stuffed potatoes for a few minutes at the end.
- Customize the toppings based on your favorite taco toppings like jalapeu00f1os or avocado.