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For your next taco night try something a little different by using baked potatoes instead of a tortillas. You can still use all of your favorite toppings to create Ground Turkey Taco Potatoes! This dinner will definitely be a family favorite to add to your regular rotation.
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Who does't love tacos? There's something about that spicy flavor that begs to be topped with cheese and other delicious toppings! My family loves taco night and it works because everyone can create their own perfect concoction. I love avocado, Greek yogurt, salsa and chopped tomatoes on mine while my husband wants cheese and pico de gallo on his. Mia eats her's with just cheese. It works and we are all happy.
Years ago during a family vacation to visit my aunt, I was introduced to her version of taco baked potatoes. This was so many years ago, I'm embarrassed to admit, I think maybe I was a teenager. Of course when my aunt made this taco meat with potatoes recipe I was a little skeptical, but I gave them a shot and quickly devoured them.
I thought it was time to bring this recipe back and try it with my own family. Taco night seems to please everyone so why not mix it up and try something just a little different? Why not taco stuffed potatoes?
What is the best taco seasoning?
You can always get the little taco seasoning packets at the grocery store but I prefer to make my own mix. It is so easy to make and I like the taste better. Plus I can control the spice and the salt! Just remember when you make this if your family likes more spice to add extra cayenne pepper. I try to go a little on the mild side because I don't want to make it too spicy for a 9 year old’s taste buds.
Here’s the spices you’ll need
- chili powder
- cumin
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- oregano
- cayenne
- salt
- black pepper
Measure all spices into a small bowl and set aside until you have browned and drained the fat from the meat. This recipe is very easy so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal that you need to put together quickly after work. You can even zap the potatoes in the microwave if you don't have time to bake them.
Why use ground turkey instead of beef?
I use a lean ground turkey that is 93/7% fat and prefer this to the 99% fat free. I find that it cooks better and does not dry out too much. Other than beef being higher in saturated fat there isn't much difference in the calorie content if you get a lean beef. I made the switch to turkey many years ago and use that for meatballs, tacos and chili. Basically any recipe that calls for ground beef I make turkey work as a substitute. If you flavor it the right way most people can't really tell a difference.
One trick that I found to making tacos with turkey is too add a little salsa to the meat after you have drained the fat. I know the package seasoning usually calls for water but I think it makes it too soupy. This gives it a little moisture to the turkey along with a little flavor.
What type of potato is best for baking?
I'm sure there is much debate over the best baking potato because so many people are die hard russet potato fans. Of course I grew up on those too, however once I tried the Yukon gold variety I was hooked.
I love these potatoes for just about anything and here's why, they are buttery and creamy all on there own. Which means you don't need to slather them with so much extra butter or sour cream to make them palatable! I find russet potatoes very dry and bland which is why they need all that butter.
Give Yukons a try for mashing, baking and roasting and I think you'll love them too! They are perfect for this taco with potatoes recipe!
I always wash my potatoes, dry them well and rub them with olive oil before baking them. I put them on a baking pan and pop them in the oven. When they have cooked for about 20 minutes I take them out and flip them, pierce them with a fork and pop back in the oven to finish baking.
What toppings should I use for Taco stuffed potatoes?
This is where you can have a lot of fun. You can set up a little taco bar that way everyone in the family can dress their taco potato to their liking. I have listed here a lot of ideas, but you can just pick the ones that your family loves! If you are a fan of guacamole check out my easy recipe that would go perfectly with your taco potato.
Here's a few suggestions:
- butter
- sour cream/Greek yogurt
- cheddar cheese
- avocados
- salsa
- guacamole
- pico de gallo
- crushed tortilla chips
- hot sauce
- jalapeño peppers
This is going to be your ultimate stuffed potato. Have fun with it and make it your own creation! Everyone can build there own favorite ground turkey taco potato! In the directions I don't list how much toppings you need because I really feel that this a personal preference so everyone can choose what they like and the quantity of each.
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Ground Turkey Taco Potatoes
Ingredients
Toppings
- butter
- sour cream or greek yogurt
- salsa or pico de gallo
- avocado
- grated cheddar cheese
- hot sauce
- taco sauce
- crushed tortilla chips
- cilantro
- diced jalapeño pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash and dry potatoes. Rub with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes flipping through half way and piercing with a fork.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground turkey breaking up with a spatula.
- While turkey is cooking measure spices into a small bowl.
- Once turkey has browned drain off fat, add spices and ¼ cup salsa. Turn heat to low and stir n ingredients. Allow flavors to meld for a couple minutes.
- Get taco bar ingredients set up to build the taco potatoes.
- Cut open potato, add butter and sour cream and mash with a fork. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Start building taco with, ground meat, cheese and toppings of choice. Enjoy!
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