Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion that'll have everyone begging for seconds! These Taco Style Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are the perfect fusion of Mexican-inspired zest and comforting potato goodness. Imagine tender, fluffy potatoes infused with spicy taco meat, melted cheese, and a parade of mouthwatering toppings - all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash russet potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place whole potatoes into the crock pot, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other for even cooking.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add taco seasoning packet to the browned meat, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Cover the crock pot and cook potatoes on low heat for 6-7 hours, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the seasoned meat and salsa to the crock pot, gently mixing around the potatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes and meat during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Carefully remove potatoes from the crock pot and place on serving plates. Cut each potato open lengthwise.
- Top each potato with additional meat mixture, extra cheese, and optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, and sliced jalapeños.
- Serve immediately while potatoes are hot and cheese is melted.
Tips
- • Choose large, uniform russet potatoes for the best texture and even cooking. • Don't skip piercing the potatoes - this prevents them from potentially exploding in the crock pot. • For extra flavor, consider using homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet. • If using ground turkey, add a little olive oil to prevent the meat from drying out. • Want to make it healthier? Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. • Customize your toppings! Try adding diced avocado, cilantro, or black beans for more variety. • Ensure your potatoes are not overcrowded in the slow cooker for uniform cooking. • Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after cooking to make them easier to handle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
