Taco Baked Potatoes

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 large potatoes, scrubbed clean (about 1.5 pounds total)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 8 flour or corn taco shells, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 65 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Scrub potatoes clean and wrap each in a layer of foil.
3. Bake potatoes for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. While potatoes are baking, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the beef and cook until vegetables are softened.
6. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
7. When potatoes are done baking, let cool for 5 minutes then cut each potato in half lengthwise.
8. Scoop out the inside of each potato, leaving a 1/4 inch shell.
9. Mash the potato flesh with a fork and mix with the beef mixture.
10. Divide the mixture evenly among the potato shells.
11. Top each with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
12. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
13. Serve immediately with crushed taco shells on the side.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximate nutritional information per serving (1/8 of recipe): 350 calories, 15g fat, 25g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 5g fiber

Dish Characteristics:

This dish is a unique fusion of Mexican and American flavors. The taco-flavored potatoes are a creative way to enjoy a hearty meal.

User Comments:

1. "These were so good! My family loved the combination of flavors."
2. "The potatoes were perfectly cooked and the beef mixture was delicious."
3. "The sour cream and cilantro added a nice touch of freshness."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use a high-quality lean ground beef to minimize fat content.
• You can substitute ground turkey for the beef if preferred.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.