Once the potatoes are done, you’ll want to prepare the ground meat. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground meat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning along with a splash of water to help the spices stick. Stir in the black beans and corn, letting everything cook together for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and fragrant. The seasoning will make your kitchen smell like a fiesta—such a treat!
Now, it’s time to assemble your Cheesy Taco Potatoes. Take the baked potatoes out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, slice them down the middle and gently fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon in the meat mixture generously, topping it off with salsa and a mountain of shredded cheese. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add even more cheese! My heart skips a beat when I see that gooey goodness.
Finally, place the stuffed potatoes back on a baking sheet and pop them back into the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts bubbling. When I pull these from the oven, it feels like I’ve struck culinary gold—their cheesy tops are just begging to be devoured!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I learned while perfecting this recipe is to poke several holes in the potatoes. Not only do they cook evenly, but they also help release steam, preventing them from bursting in the oven! I tested the timing a few times to get the perfect potato, and I noticed that larger potatoes take closer to an hour while smaller ones can be done at 45 minutes.
I also suggest seasoning adjustments. Depending on your taste preferences, you might want to start with half the taco seasoning and then add more to the meat mixture if needed. This way, you can control the spice level, making it just right for your family. My kids appreciate a milder flavor, so I always keep that in mind!
Lastly, don’t skimp on the toppings! Fresh avocado, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream can elevate this dish from simply comforting to utterly divine. Whenever I add those little extras, I feel like I’m dining out at a fancy Tex-Mex restaurant right in my own home!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made when I first started making these was not baking the potatoes long enough. Trust me; undercooked potatoes are a real bummer! It’s much better to give them an extra few minutes to ensure they are perfectly fluffy inside. I still set a timer and check them to make sure they’re tender all the way through. (See the next page below to continue…)