Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes (Print Version)
Fluffy baked potatoes loaded with cheese, seasoned beef, and toppings for a savory, satisfying meal.
# Ingredients:
Potatoes
01 -
4 medium yellow potatoes (russet potatoes also suitable)
02 -
Olive oil, as needed
03 -
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Taco Meat
04 -
1 pound ground beef
05 -
1 small onion, finely diced
06 -
1 ounce taco seasoning
07 -
120 milliliters water
Cheese Sauce
08 -
227 grams Velveeta cheese
09 -
113 grams shredded pepper jack cheese
10 -
1 small can (approximately 113 grams) diced chilies
11 -
150 milliliters evaporated milk
Toppings
12 -
Grated cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, or preferred toppings
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Wash potatoes thoroughly and prick several times with a fork. Rub potatoes evenly with olive oil, then season with salt and cracked black pepper.
02 -
Place potatoes on the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes until crisp on the outside and tender inside.
03 -
While potatoes bake, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens and flavors meld, about 5-7 minutes.
04 -
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt Velveeta cheese with shredded pepper jack, diced chilies, and evaporated milk, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy.
05 -
Switch oven to low broil. Return potatoes to oven and broil for an additional 15 minutes to develop extra crispness and heat through.
06 -
Carefully cut open each potato lengthwise and fluff the interior with a fork. Top with warm cheese sauce, taco meat, and desired additional toppings before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For even baking, choose potatoes of similar size. Adjust taco seasoning quantity to taste and consider mild or spicy toppings to suit preference.