Crispy baked potatoes loaded with cheesy taco meat and fresh toppings — a hearty, flavor-packed dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with gooey cheese and seasoned taco meat.

• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day meals.

• Comforting, filling, and full of bold flavors.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 4 medium yellow potatoes (or Russets)

• Olive oil

• Cracked salt and pepper

For the Taco Meat

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 oz taco seasoning

• ½ cup water

For the Cheese Sauce

• 8 oz Velveeta

• 4 oz shredded pepper jack cheese

• 4 oz can diced chilies

• 5 oz can evaporated milk

Toppings

• Grated cheese

• Tomatoes

• Jalapenos

• Sour cream

• Cilantro

• Hot sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Kcal: ~640 per serving

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

Step 2: Prepare Potatoes

Wash and poke potatoes with a fork. Coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bake Potatoes

Bake potatoes for 45 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Make Taco Meat

In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion. Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Make Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt Velveeta, pepper jack, diced chilies, and evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.

Step 6: Broil Potatoes

Switch oven to low broil and bake potatoes 15 more minutes for a crispier skin.

Step 7: Assemble

Cut open baked potatoes and fluff the insides. Top with cheese sauce, taco meat, and desired toppings. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika or chili powder on potato skins before baking.

• Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a different twist.

• Add black beans or corn to the taco meat for a heartier filling.

• Make ahead: bake potatoes and prepare meat in advance; assemble just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use russet potatoes instead of yellow potatoes?

Yes, russets work perfectly and give a fluffier interior.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, gently reheat on the stove before serving to restore creaminess.

Can I freeze these for later?

Assemble ingredients separately, then freeze. Bake potatoes and heat toppings when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

These Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes are comfort food at its best — crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, loaded with cheesy taco goodness, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for a family dinner or when hosting friends!