Taco Potato Bake

Does anyone else struggle with the 5 o’clock dinner bell? There are days that go by so fast, that the first time I look up from breakfast, it’s time to get dinner rolling! And, when you are tired from a busy day with the dinner bell ringing, that can often mean a stop at the drive thru.

While ordering out once in a while isn’t the worst thing in the world, it CAN easily empty a budget. The average family of 4 spends $30 on dinner out, and that includes fast food drive thru meals. That adds up quickly!

Grab some other meal ideas here:

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Stuffed Pizza Bread

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

When you need a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will fill you up without flattening your wallet, try this taco potato bake!

Out of necessity on a busy day, this dish was created. I had a couple of leftover potatoes in the fridge, a bit of taco meat from taco night, and a few other ingredients. This dish was something my entire family enjoyed. I am sure your family will love it, too!

You’ll want to start with pre-baked potatoes for this taco potato bake. I like to use russets, but you can use red skin, golden yukon, or any other potato you have on hand. If they are NOT pre-baked, you’ll want to stick them in the oven to bake for 45 minutes.

Once they are cool enough to handle, grease an 11×7 or 8×8 pan, cube the potatoes, and lay them in the pan. Top with ground taco meat, salsa, and cheese. Bake in the oven until cheese is melted, bubbly and golden.

Top with fresh tomatoes, sour cream, and chives and enjoy! Store any leftover taco potato bake in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 medium sized russet potatoes
• 1 pound ground meat of choice
• 1 package taco seasoning mix
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 16 ounce jar of salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• sour cream
• tomatoes
• chives

Instructions:

1. Scrub, pierce and bake potatoes in 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. Allow to cool 10 minutes, or until easily handled. Leave oven on.
2. Dice into 1 inch cubes, and place in an 11×7 or 8×8 greased pan.
3. Cook ground beef until fully done, then add water and seasoning mix. Simmer 3-5 minutes, according to package instructions.
4. Layer taco meat on top of potatoes, then pour salsa over that.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top of meat and salsa, then place back in oven for 30 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and golden.
6. Serve immediately.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Will you try this taco potato bake? Be sure to pin this for later, too!