These taco-stuffed potatoes bring together crispy baked potatoes, savory taco-seasoned beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings for an easy, filling, and flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or meal prep option, these Taco Potato Boats are a crowd-pleaser!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy, Cheesy, & Loaded with Flavor – The perfect balance of textures and flavors!
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and protein variations.
✔️ Easy & Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat anytime.
✔️ Gluten-Free – Enjoy all the taco flavors without tortillas!
-Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed clean)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
For the Taco Meat:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper)
½ cup water
For the Toppings:
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup shredded lettuce
¼ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for spice) ️
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup sliced black olives
Hot sauce or salsa (optional)
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Poke each potato a few times with a fork.
3. Rub olive oil and salt over the skin.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until fork-tender.
5. Let cool slightly before slicing open.
-Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
4. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
-Step 3: Assemble the Potato Boats
1. Slice open each baked potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
2. Spoon taco meat into each potato.
3. Top with shredded cheese, letting it melt over the meat.
4. Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, and jalapeños.
5. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
6. Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa if desired.
-Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad – A light salad balances the hearty flavors.
With Mexican Rice – Serve alongside Spanish or cilantro-lime rice.
With Guacamole & Chips – Add a scoop of guacamole for extra flavor.
With Margaritas or Agua Fresca – Perfect for a Taco Tuesday dinner!
-Tips for the Best Taco Potato Boats
Crispier Skin – Bake directly on the oven rack for extra crispy skin.
Extra Melty Cheese – Broil for 2 minutes after assembling.
Make It Healthier – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and ground turkey instead of beef.
Make It Spicy – Add chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly – Store assembled potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-Variations & Flavor Twists
1. BBQ Ranch Chicken Potato Boats
Swap beef for shredded BBQ chicken.
Drizzle with ranch dressing.
2. Vegetarian Black Bean Taco Potatoes
Replace beef with black beans and corn.
Add avocado slices and lime juice.
3. Spicy Buffalo Taco Potatoes
Toss taco meat with Buffalo sauce before stuffing.
Top with blue cheese crumbles.
4. Breakfast Taco Potatoes
Swap beef for scrambled eggs and chorizo.
Top with salsa and avocado.
-Storage & Meal Prep Tips
❄️ Store Leftovers – Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Freeze for Later – Freeze taco meat separately for up to 3 months.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook the potatoes faster?
Yes! Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, then crisp in the oven for 10 minutes.
2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes pair well with taco flavors.
3. What’s the best cheese for taco potatoes?
Cheddar or Mexican blend (melts well)
Pepper Jack (adds spice)
Queso Fresco (mild, crumbly texture)
4. How do I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, avocado instead of sour cream, and coconut yogurt.
-Final Thoughts
These Loaded Taco Potato Boats are a fun, delicious, and easy twist on tacos. They’re crispy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or parties.
Try them tonight and enjoy a satisfying, taco-inspired meal!