What happens when your two favorite comfort foods—tacos and baked potatoes—collide? You get Loaded Taco Potato Boats with Creamy Jalapeño Drizzle, a spicy, cheesy, flavor-packed mashup that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. This recipe transforms humble baked potatoes into a fully loaded meal, overflowing with taco-seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and a tangy jalapeño-lime crema. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just jazzing up your weeknight dinner, these are guaranteed to steal the show.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those easy meals that tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. It’s comforting, colorful, and customizable—which means you can pile on your favorite taco toppings and make each boat your own. The cool and spicy jalapeño drizzle brings it all together with creamy zing. And let’s be honest: everything’s better in a potato boat.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt, to taste
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Jalapeños: Like it extra hot? Leave in the seeds or use serrano peppers.
- Cheese: Try a Mexican blend or pepper jack for more melt and spice.
- Add-ins: Crumbled tortilla chips, pickled red onions, or guacamole are great upgrades.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until fork-tender.
- While potatoes bake, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain grease and stir in taco seasoning. Set aside.
- In a bowl, make the creamy jalapeño drizzle: combine sour cream, mayo, chopped jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- When potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out a bit of the flesh, leaving a 1/4″ border.
- Fill each potato with taco meat and top with cheddar cheese, tomatoes, olives, and green onions.
- Return to oven and bake for 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Drizzle generously with the creamy jalapeño sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Bake the potatoes until skin is crisp and the inside is fluffy for best texture.
- If in a rush, microwave potatoes until soft, then crisp in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Chill the drizzle for 15 minutes before serving to help it thicken and mellow the jalapeño heat.
- Want extra crunch? Sprinkle with crushed chips just before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These loaded potato boats are a meal on their own, but they also shine on a party platter. Try pairing them with:
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a full Tex-Mex dinner
- A no-fuss side like Walking Taco Bar
- Crunchy, cheesy Totchos
- Beer Cheese Dip for dipping extra chips or potatoes
- And don’t forget dessert—The Best Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect sweet finish
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store leftover potato boats in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy.
- Drizzle the jalapeño sauce fresh—store it separately so the potatoes don’t get soggy.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack—Tater Tot Nachos for the Win
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made—And I’ve Made A Lot
Final Thoughts
These Loaded Taco Potato Boats with Creamy Jalapeño Drizzle bring all your favorite taco toppings to the comfort of a baked potato. They’re spicy, cheesy, fresh, and customizable—perfect for dinner, game day, or your next casual gathering. Once you try one, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Made this recipe?
Tag @chefmaniac and show us how you dressed up your potato boats! Don’t forget to follow for more crave-worthy comfort food mashups.
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