why make this recipe
Jacket Potatoes with Taco Beef is a fun and tasty meal that combines the satisfying crunch of baked potatoes with flavorful taco beef. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game days, or even a casual get-together with friends. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings like cheese, yogurt, and salsa.
how to make Jacket Potatoes with Taco Beef
Ingredients :
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- Shredded cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Salsa
- Green onions
Directions :
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F.
- Use a sharp knife to make a slit in the middle of each potato. Place the potatoes cut-side-up directly onto the oven rack. Bake until very crisp and crackly on the outside, about 1.5 hours.
- Meanwhile, make the taco beef. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any fat. Add the taco seasoning, salt, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine and continue cooking over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Cover and keep warm.
- When the potatoes are done cooking, use tongs to remove the potatoes from the oven and set on plates. Carefully cut deeper into the initial slit and gently push the two opposite ends of each potato toward each other to open them and release some steam.
- Divide the warm taco beef inside the baked potatoes and immediately top with shredded cheddar cheese to allow it to melt on top. Finish it off with Greek yogurt, salsa, and green onions.
how to serve Jacket Potatoes with Taco Beef
Serve Jacket Potatoes with Taco Beef hot and fresh from the oven. You can place them on dinner plates and offer extra toppings like salsa and green onions on the side for everyone to customize their potatoes. They make a fun and interactive meal where everyone can enjoy their preferred flavors.
how to store Jacket Potatoes with Taco Beef
If you have leftovers, let the potatoes cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the potatoes in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make Jacket Potatoes with Taco Beef
- Choose russet potatoes for the best texture; they crisp up nicely.
- If you want a quicker cooking method, you can microwave the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Customize the taco beef by adding beans or vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add your favorite toppings like avocado or corn to give a twist to the recipe.
variation (if any)
You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by using black beans or lentils instead of ground beef. Add additional spices and herbs for flavor to the vegetarian filling. Play around with different toppings to suit your tastes!
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like red or Yukon gold, but they might not be as crispy as russet potatoes.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add chopped jalapeños to the taco beef or use spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick.
3. Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the taco beef a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve the potatoes.
Jacket Potatoes with Taco Beef
Ingredients
For the Jacket Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes Choose russet potatoes for the best texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Taco Beef
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
Toppings
- Shredded cheese Cheddar cheese works well.
- Greek yogurt
- Salsa
- Green onions Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Use a sharp knife to make a slit in the middle of each potato. Place the potatoes cut-side-up directly onto the oven rack.
- Bake until very crisp and crackly on the outside, about 1.5 hours.
Cooking the Taco Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any fat.
- Add the taco seasoning, salt, tomato paste, and water; stir to combine.
- Continue cooking over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Cover and keep warm.
Serving
- When the potatoes are done cooking, use tongs to remove them from the oven and set on plates.
- Carefully cut deeper into the initial slit and gently push the two opposite ends of each potato toward each other to open them and release some steam.
- Divide the warm taco beef inside the baked potatoes and immediately top with shredded cheese to allow it to melt.
- Finish off with Greek yogurt, salsa, and green onions.