I would like to welcome you to #TacoTuesday as a wife and mom, one thing Ive learned over the years is that some of the best family meals are the ones that are simple, affordable, and flexible enough that everyone can make them their own. With back-to-school season right around the corner, life starts getting busy again. Between school schedules, homework, activities, work, and everything else families juggle, having easy dinner ideas that do not break the budget becomes so important.
That is one reason I love meals that can stretch beyond just one night. This is why you will find this recipe inside our Summer Gift Guide and also our Back to School Gift Guide because a simple bag of potatoes, some Hamburger Meat to make taco meat out of, and a few toppings can turn into a fun Taco Tuesday dinner, into leftovers for lunch the next day, and even another meal later in the week if you don’t have hungry teens who eat you out of house and home like I do.
Now, I have to admit, this recipe is probably one that David and Charlie would enjoy more than I would because David and Charlie love trying new and unique foods. They’re usually willing to give something different a try, and I think this Taco Stuffed Baked Potato would be right up their alley. I can just imagine them loading up a baked potato with taco meat, cheese, sour cream, and all the toppings. and Gearl waiting his turn.
As for me, I’m a little more traditional when it comes to baked potatoes. Give me a warm baked potato with butter, sour cream, bacon, and cheese, and I’m happy. I might add a few chives every now and then, but they are definitely not at the top of my favorite toppings list. What about you would you try this recipe or do you prefer a classic baked potato?
I’m not completely sure I would try the taco stuffed baked potato myself, but I would probably enjoy the taco meat on the side the next day with Cheese for a Mock Taco Salad. That is the wonderful thing about recipes like this—everyone can make their plate exactly how they like it. And that is what makes this such a great family meal.
Making Taco Tuesday Affordable
Start with a simple bag of russet potatoes. Potatoes are one of those budget-friendly ingredients that can help stretch your grocery budget because they can be used in so many different ways. If your in the DFW are the cheapest place to purchase bags of Potato’s is Winco and sometimes Aldi’s which keeps this recipe budget friendly.
Bake several potatoes at once, and you already have the beginning of an easy dinner and leftovers.
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your taco meat. You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even leftover shredded chicken.
The toppings are where everyone gets to have fun.
Some of our favorite ideas include:
- Taco meat
- Shredded cheddar cheese or any cheese you like
- Sour cream
- Chives or green onions
- Salsa
- Lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Black olives
- Jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Taco sauce
Set everything out and let everyone build their own potato. This makes dinner easier because nobody has to worry about making a meal that everyone likes.
Taco Tuesday Three Ways
Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes– Bake your potatoes until the outside is crispy and the inside is soft and fluffy. Slice them open, add taco meat and cheese, and finish with your favorite toppings.
Taco Loaded Fries
Need a faster option?- Use a bag of frozen French fries. Store brands work great, or you can use a favorite name brand like Ore-Ida. Bake the fries according to the package directions, then load them with taco meat, cheese, and toppings. This is perfect for busy evenings when you do not have time to wait for potatoes to bake.
Taco Tater Tot Bowls– Another fun option is using frozen tater tots.
Bake your tater tots until they are crispy, then place them in a bowl and add taco meat, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and chives.
This is a fun meal for kids because it feels like something they would order at a restaurant.
Stretching Taco Tuesday Into Tomorrow’s Lunch
One of my favorite money-saving tips is making extra. When you are already cooking taco meat, it does not take much more effort to prepare a larger batch. Then you have leftovers ready for another meal.
For an easy budget-friendly lunch the next day:
- Reheat a leftover baked potato.
- Add taco meat.
- Sprinkle on cheese.
- Add sour cream, chives, or salsa.
- Pack fruit or a simple side.
You have a filling lunch without spending money eating out.
Leftover taco meat can also become:
- Quesadillas
- Burritos
- Taco salads
- Nachos
- Taco bowls
- Breakfast burritos
The best recipes are not always the fanciest ones. Sometimes they are the meals that give families options, stretch the grocery budget, and make everyone gather around the table. Whether your family loves loaded taco potatoes, prefers classic baked potatoes, or simply enjoys the taco meat by itself, this is one meal that can be changed to fit everyone. And that is what makes cooking for a family so special. You take a simple idea, add a little creativity, and make it your own.
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates