Description
These Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes are a hearty and flavorful meal featuring crispy baked russet potatoes topped with seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheddar cheese, salsa, green onions, and sour cream. This easy-to-make dish combines classic taco flavors with a comforting baked potato base, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Toppings
- 1 can black beans (15 ounce), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- 2 medium green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Prick each russet potato several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, and season all sides with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and add a splash of water. Simmer the beef mixture for about 3 minutes until fully flavored and saucy.
- Heat Beans: Warm the rinsed and drained black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat or use the microwave until heated through.
- Prepare Potato Toppings: When the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven. Slice each potato lengthwise down the center and gently fluff the inside with a fork to create a soft bed for the toppings.
- Assemble Loaded Potatoes: Top each potato with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef, warm black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to finish.
Notes
- Russet potatoes work best for baking due to their fluffy interior.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to taste or use homemade seasonings for a fresher flavor.
- For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- To save time, black beans can be heated in the microwave.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by baking potatoes in advance and reheating before assembling.
