Delicious Taco Baked Potato Recipe
This Taco Baked Potato Recipe is a creative and delicious way to jazz up a baked potato. By combining taco-seasoned beef or bacon or tofu with the fluffy inside of a baked potato, you get a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Whether you bake the potato in the oven, microwave, or air fryer, this recipe is always versatile and packed with flavor!
This recipe appears in our cookbook “Cooking for One – Not an Army” along with other delicious recipes. It’s made for one, but you can easily double (or triple) this recipe for company or leftovers! If you didn’t get a copy yet, our book is on Amazon right here!
Ingredients for Taco Baked Potato Recipe
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a hearty, taco-inspired twist on a classic baked potato.
- Russet Potato: 1 medium russet potato is the base for this recipe. It’s fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Learn the perfect way to bake a potato for best results.
- Bacon or Ground Beef: Choose between 1-2 slices of bacon or 3 ounces of ground beef for the taco filling.
- Tomato Paste and Water: ½ tablespoon of tomato paste and 2 ½ tablespoons of water create the sauce base for the taco seasoning.
- Taco Seasoning: You’ll need a blend of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and oregano to create your own taco seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste. Check out these ideas for making your own homemade taco seasoning blend. And this spice jar is perfect for storing extra taco seasoning.
These ingredients come together to make a savory, flavorful taco baked potato.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your Taco Baked Potato:
- Bake the potato: You have several options to bake the potato:
- Oven: Pierce the potato with a fork all over and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40 minutes.
- Microwave: Pierce the potato with a fork all over and microwave for 5 minutes on full power. Turn over and microwave for another 5 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Pierce the potato with a fork all over and air fry at 400°F for 40 minutes. We totally love this air fryer!
- Prepare the taco seasoning: Place all taco seasoning ingredients (chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper) in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until fully blended.
- Cook the bacon or beef: Cook the bacon until crispy or cook the ground beef over medium heat in a skillet. Drain any excess fat. Using a splatter screen when cooking bacon makes cleanup a breeze.
- Make the taco sauce: In the same skillet, blend the seasoning mixture, water, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Assemble the baked potato: Once the potato is baked, make a shallow cut horizontally across the top. Squeeze the two ends together to open up the potato.
- Fill the potato: Add the cooked bacon or beef inside the potato. Then, spoon the taco filling mixture over the top.
- Add toppings: Top with sour cream, salsa, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, sliced black olives, and green onions for a flavorful finish.
This delicious meal combines the hearty comfort of a baked potato with the bold flavors of taco seasoning for a satisfying dish.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Baked Potato
- Customize the filling: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu as a substitute for beef to lighten up the recipe.
- Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Cooking method: Choose your preferred method of cooking the potato—oven, microwave, or air fryer—depending on the time you have.
These tips will help you perfect the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use black beans or a plant-based ground beef substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese-Free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese for those with lactose intolerance.
- Add More Veggies: You can add grilled bell peppers or onions to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your perfect taco baked potato!
What to Serve with Taco Baked Potato
This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are a few ideas if you want to create a complete meal:
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- A side of tortilla chips and guacamole
- A simple corn or tomato salsa
These sides complement the flavors of the taco baked potato for a more complete meal.
Leftovers & Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, microwave the potato for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. An air fryer works really well here too.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this Taco Baked Potato Recipe, try these other delicious recipes from Sisters Know Best:
- Healthy Bell Pepper Taco Boat Bake – A lighter, veggie-packed taco option served in bell pepper boats.
- Lasagna Recipes to Satisfy Everyone! – These lasagna variations are sure to please any crowd.
- Mexican Medley – A flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for any meal.
- Beef and Black Bean Chili Recipe – So filling and perfect for a crowd.
These recipes offer a range of healthy and satisfying options to try next!
This Taco Baked Potato Recipe offers a fun twist on a classic baked potato by combining taco flavors with a fluffy potato base. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
