Before practice
Loaded baked potatoes that fuel the kid who is always starving by four.
You have got a bottomless-pit eater and a practice that will burn it all off and then some.
A taco-loaded potato gives them carbs, protein, and a topping bar to fuss over, all before you head out.
Ingredients
Before making taco potato boats, pull the ingredients below and leave room for about 20 minutes.
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
How to Make It
The recipe works best when taco potato boats ends with a visible next move for the family.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork and microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until tender.
- While the potatoes cook, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes until it reaches 160F.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water and simmer 2 minutes until thickened.
- Split each cooked potato lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Spoon the taco meat into each potato and top with cheddar, salsa, sour cream, and green onions.
Timing Before Practice
The microwave does the slow work, so start about 25 minutes before you leave.
- T-minus 25: microwave the potatoes and brown the meat
- T-minus 12: split the potatoes and load them up
- T-minus 5: water bottles and shoes, no new cooking
Make It Ahead or Save Leftovers
The taco meat is the make-ahead hero and works in a dozen other meals.
- Brown and season the taco meat a day ahead
- Microwave potatoes fresh since they reheat unevenly
- Use leftover taco meat in tacos or quesadillas the next night
- Serve with: a green salad, corn
Parent Tip
Start the potatoes in the microwave first thing; they take the longest and everything else comes together while they cook.
Make It Fit Tonight
Small Tweaks That Help This Dinner Land
Use sweet potatoes
Swap in sweet potatoes for a sweeter base that balances the taco spice.
Make it vegetarian with beans
Fill the boats with seasoned black beans instead of meat.
Add a guacamole topping
Spoon on guacamole for healthy fat that keeps kids full through practice.
Turn it into a potato bar
Set out toppings so each kid loads their own boat before a team practice.
Swap in shredded chicken
Use seasoned shredded chicken for a lighter filling.
Plan The Next Step
Plan a potato-bar night
Keep a loaded-potato formula handy for the nights a growing kid needs real staying power.