Making Cheesy Taco Potatoes is a simple process. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect dish:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes. Pat them dry, then pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes or until they are tender and cooked through.
4. Cook the Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Season Meat: Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning to the beef along with a splash of water. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Prepare Toppings: While the beef is cooking, prepare your toppings by dicing the tomatoes, chopping the green onions, and shredding the lettuce.
7. Assemble Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
8. Fill Potatoes: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each potato, followed by a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Melt Cheese: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Top and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, green onions, and black olives if desired.