Mexican-inspired stuffed spuds (Printable Format)

Fluffy baked potatoes topped with taco-seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, sour cream, and fresh toppings for an easy, satisfying dinner.

# What You'll Gather:

→ For the Potatoes

01 - 4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed

→ For the Taco Meat

02 - 1 pound lean ground beef
03 - 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
04 - 1/2 cup water

→ For Toppings

05 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions
08 - 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes

→ Optional Extra Toppings

09 - Sliced jalapeños
10 - Diced avocado or guacamole
11 - Black olives
12 - Chopped cilantro

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes, then pat them dry. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times all over - this allows steam to escape while baking. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes feel soft when gently squeezed (use an oven mitt!) and a fork easily pierces through to the center.
02 - While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining, about 7-8 minutes. If there's excess fat, carefully drain it off.
03 - Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the browned meat and stir to coat all the beef. Pour in the 1/2 cup of water and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and you're left with a thick, saucy meat mixture.
04 - Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, place them on plates or a serving platter. Cut a slit lengthwise down the middle of each potato, then squeeze the ends gently to open them up. Use a fork to fluff the insides, creating a fluffy bed for your toppings.
05 - Spoon the hot taco meat generously over each opened potato. Immediately sprinkle with shredded cheese so it starts to melt from the heat. Top each potato with a dollop of sour cream, then sprinkle with diced tomatoes and green onions. Add any additional toppings you like. Serve right away while everything is hot and the cheese is melty!

# Important Tips:

01 - These loaded potatoes bring together two comfort food favorites - baked potatoes and tacos - for a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
02 - You can set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own potato, making this a fun, interactive meal that works great for families with different preferences.

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