Taco Potatoes Recipe

This hearty Taco Potatoes recipe is made with crispy roasted potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh taco toppings. The result is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is part loaded potato and part taco. It’s an easy-to-make and fun meal perfect for a family dinner or a game day party, making enough for 4-6 people.

Taco Potatoes Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• Sour cream and salsa for serving

How To Make Taco Potatoes

1. Roast the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
2. Prepare the taco meat: While the potatoes are roasting, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water, then simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened.
3. Assemble and melt the cheese: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Spoon the prepared taco meat evenly over the roasted potatoes on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Add toppings and serve: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish the taco potatoes with fresh chopped romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream and a side of salsa for a perfect finish.

Recipe Tips

• Prep the potatoes: Cutting the potatoes into uniform, 1-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly. A sharp knife is essential for this step.
• Don’t crowd the pan: For crispy potatoes, make sure they are in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast, leading to a softer texture.
• Customize your toppings: This recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to use your favorite taco toppings like sliced jalapeños, guacamole, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
• Go vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

What To Serve Taco Potatoes

These loaded taco potatoes are a complete and satisfying meal all on their own. They are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or as a hearty appetizer for a party. You can serve them with a simple side salad to add some fresh greens or alongside a bowl of chili or tortilla soup for a truly cozy meal.

How To Store Taco Potatoes Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover taco potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to help the potatoes and meat crisp up again.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the potatoes can become mushy and the toppings will lose their fresh texture upon thawing.

Taco Potatoes Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of potato? Russet potatoes are best for this recipe because they become fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside when roasted. However, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, though the texture will be slightly different.
• How do I make the potatoes extra crispy? To get the crispiest potatoes, make sure they are completely dry before you toss them with the oil and seasonings. You can pat them dry with a paper towel. Also, be sure to preheat your baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes.
• Can I cook this in a skillet instead of the oven? While roasting is recommended for the best texture, you can make this in a skillet. After cooking the ground beef, add the cubed potatoes and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Top with cheese, cover, and cook until the cheese is melted.

Try More Recipes:

• Taco Quesadillas Recipe
• Taco Ranch Side Salad Recipe
• Taco Shells and Cheese Recipe