Last week before our spontaneous camping trip (more on that tomorrow), I was on a mission to clear out the fridge and use up items from the pantry and freezers. And come Friday night, there wasn’t much left to choose from. I went digging in the freezers and I found the a bag of my favorite taco meat, some shredded cheese…and then pulled out the potatoes from the cupboard…using those we didn’t need for the campfire hobos, and I made this.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure it was going to work. We really enjoy Chili Topped Potatoes, so why not try it with taco meat on top instead of chili. I was nervous. I was.
But we really enjoyed it!
The kids had them cheeseless and didn’t complain one bit. And the ONLY thing I would do differently next time is use shredded Pepper Jack cheese for some extra kick. If I’d had any on hand, I’d have used it. But the cheddar was just fine!
Taco 'Taters
Ingredients
- 4 large or 6 medium potatoes ($.75) Yay for a potato sale last week!
- 2 to 3 cups leftover taco meat ($2.50)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese ($1.25)
- Corn cobs, or other vegetable side dish ($1)
- Butter ($.10)
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes, or cook them in the microwave if you are short on time.
- Add the taco meat on top, then sprinkle cheese on top and microwave or run under the broiler to melt the cheese.
- Boil the corn cobs or prepare other vegetable.
- Serve Taco 'Taters with buttery corn cobs.
[email protected] Mama says
Sounds good to me! I just pulled some chili out of the freezer tonight for my husband and I. Kids are in bed and we are eating late… I wanted to top something with it… but I wasn’t sure what… after seeing this post I’ll bake some potatoes up!
Jessica says
I am confused by the potato. Do you just open the potato and put the rest of the ingredients on top of the potato or do you smash the potatoes up and then put everything on top
Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says
Hey Jessica,
I baked them, then opened them up some and smashed a little. Then, we ate bits of potato with the taco meat. Hope that helps!
Erin
[email protected] Balance Sheet says
Yay for using up what is hiding in the freezer.
Thanks for the link-up.
[email protected] says
Looks yummy! My gang would love them!
Thanks for hosting Erin!
[email protected] & Pocket Change Gourmet
Nicole says
This is similar to the stuffed popatoes they serve (or did serve, not sure anymore) at Wendays w/chili on top. In England they call it a “jacket potato”. There are jacket potato fast food joins all over. One of their favs is baked beans over a baked potato. Not sure about that one, but we have either a chili or taco stuffed jacket potato at least once a month. Best topped w/sour cream too!
Lonna says
We like to add salsa, sour cream and olives.
Jade says
Sounds like a good idea when theres no food left. I might just try that tonight. Thanks Erin.
Wanda says
Thanks for the idea, I made the “Chunky Spaghetti” again Sunday night and have leftover meat sauce in the freezer and will be using that tonight over some baked potatoes. Can’t wait to see how they turn out!
Beth in Dublin OH says
I like your idea. I LOVE taco meat, and my daughter LOVES potatoes in any form. Another thing I do with taco meat, is to make Bun Tacos (some call them Mexican Joes or Mexican Sloppy Joes). Growing up in the Los Angeles area, Taco Bells had a menu item called a Bell Beefer. I make the home version all the time! A Bun Taco has the same ingredients found in a regular taco (taco meat, shredded cheddar, shredded lettuce, diced tomato), but on a hamburger bun instead of taco shell. YUMMO!
Sara says
I made these with pepper jack cheese and added salsa and sour cream. My husband loved it and asked that I make them again! I love that the use of potatoes is a cheaper and healthier alternative to chips or tortillas we would use for a similar meal like nachos or burritos. Thanks for the recipe.
Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says
You’re welcome! Love it when husbands ask for more!
Erin
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