Taco Potatoes – A One-Pan Meal Everyone Will Love

Taco Potatoes combine the bold, spiced flavors of tacos with the satisfying comfort of baked potatoes—all in a lightened-up, wholesome dish. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or meal-prepping for the week, this fun and filling recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Think tender baked potatoes loaded with seasoned ground meat, melty cheese, and your favorite taco toppings—flavor-packed and totally crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Meets Flavor – All the cozy vibes of baked potatoes plus the kick of taco seasoning.
Customizable Toppings – Pick and choose your favorite taco fixings.
Light but Filling – Smart ingredient swaps keep it satisfying without overdoing it.
Weeknight Friendly – Simple steps and a short ingredient list make dinner a breeze.

Ingredients

  • 4 small russet potatoes
  • ½ lb lean ground turkey or beef
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning (low-sodium if desired)
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute)
  • ½ cup chopped tomatoes
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • Optional: shredded lettuce, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions

Bake the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and place directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until tender. For a quicker option, microwave the potatoes for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through.

Cook the Taco Filling
While the potatoes are baking, cook the ground turkey or beef in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and ⅓ cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Assemble the Taco Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, slice each one open and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Divide the taco meat evenly among the potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese and let it melt slightly from the heat.

Top and Serve
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and your favorite taco toppings: chopped tomatoes, green onions, lettuce, salsa—whatever you love. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 265
Protein: 20g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

  • Use Small Potatoes – They cook faster and help with portion control.
  • Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Greek Yogurt Swap – It’s creamy, tangy, and a protein boost without the fat of sour cream.
  • Turn It Into a Bowl – Scoop out the potato flesh and serve everything taco-style in a bowl for a deconstructed version.

Why This Recipe Works

By pairing hearty potatoes with lean protein and vibrant toppings, this dish feels indulgent but stays balanced. Using nonfat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and lean meat lets you enjoy big taco flavor without the extra calories. Plus, everyone can customize their own potato, making it a hit with picky eaters and food lovers alike.

Taco Potatoes are the ultimate mashup of comfort and craveable flavor—easy to make, satisfying to eat, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for family dinners, casual meal prep, or just a weeknight treat, they prove you don’t need to sacrifice taste for a smarter choice.

Taco Potatoes – A One-Pan Meal Everyone Will Love

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

265

kcal

These Taco Potatoes are loaded with seasoned lean meat, melty cheese, and fresh toppings—all served in a tender baked potato. A flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

  • 4 small russet potatoes

  • ½ lb lean ground turkey or beef

  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning (low-sodium if desired)

  • ⅓ cup water

  • ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute)

  • ½ cup chopped tomatoes

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

  • Optional: shredded lettuce, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions

  • Bake the Potatoes
    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and place directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until tender. For a quicker option, microwave the potatoes for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Cook the Taco Filling
    While the potatoes are baking, cook the ground turkey or beef in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and ⅓ cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • Assemble the Taco Potatoes
    Once the potatoes are cooked, slice each one open and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Divide the taco meat evenly among the potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese and let it melt slightly from the heat.
  • Top and Serve
    Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and your favorite taco toppings: chopped tomatoes, green onions, lettuce, salsa—whatever you love. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Small Potatoes – They cook faster and help with portion control.
    Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
    Greek Yogurt Swap – It’s creamy, tangy, and a protein boost without the fat of sour cream.
    Turn It Into a Bowl – Scoop out the potato flesh and serve everything taco-style in a bowl for a deconstructed version.

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