Want tacos but don't have tortillas? try this! Yummy Tummy Thursday

~YUMMY TUMMY THURSDAY~

TACO POTATO SHELLS

& Baked Mashed Potatoes with a very little "kick".

Mexican Twists Installment #2

Why use tortillas when you can use potatos?? I don't know about you but I love potatos and I love tacos too!

I changed mine up just a bit from the inspiration linked above mostly just using fresh tomatoes on top versus canned in the meat mixture..

INGREDIENTS:

(Taco Potato Shells)
3 large baking potatoes (I used 6 regular/medium size russets)
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
1 pound ground beef

Cilantro (optional)
1 roma tomato (diced)
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
sour cream
2 green onions, sliced

(Baked Mashed Potatos)

The pulp from the baked potatos

Dash of Chili powder

Dash of Paprika

3/4 stick butter

Salt

Pepper

4 slices crumbled bacon (I use Turkey Bacon yumm!)

1/2- 1cup or so Sour Cream

1/4- 1/2 cup or so Ranch Dressing

1/2 cup hot Milk give or take to consistency desired

DIRECTIONS:

(Taco Potato Shells)
1. Scrub and pierce potatoes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 1 hour or until tender. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out pulp, leaving a thin shell (refrigerate pulp for another use or make the baked mashed potato side dish!). Brush inside and outside of potato shells with butter. Place cut side up on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat (optional adding cilantro) until no longer pink; drain. Add taco seasoning and water indicated on seasoning packet (if you are using canned tomatoes instead of fresh on top add those here w/o any extra water). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

3. Spoon into potato shells; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream, tomatoes and onions.

(Baked Mashed Potatos)

1. While Potatos are baking cook Bacon (I microwave) & crumble into large bowl, add all ingredients besides milk and potatos and butter (I add my milk because I know the consistency I like, but you may want to add it after the potatos!) When potatos are finished add the removed pulp to the bowl, along with the butter.

2. Mix and Mash adding milk if needed to the consistency desired.