Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Taco Potatoes combine the comforting appeal of crispy potatoes with the bold, seasoned flavors of classic taco night. This dish is incredibly versatile—serve it as a main course, a hearty side, or even a crowd-pleasing brunch option. The combination of tender potatoes, spiced ground beef, and melted cheese creates a deeply satisfying meal that requires minimal prep and uses familiar, budget-friendly ingredients. I once tested a lighter version using almond milk in place of regular milk when preparing a creamier variation, and it still worked very well, offering a slightly lighter texture. What sets this recipe apart is its adaptability; you can make it mild or spicy, customize the toppings, or even transform it into a casserole. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, Cheesy Taco Potatoes deliver dependable flavor and a comforting, hearty finish every time.
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Cheesy Taco Potatoes: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Skillet Meal Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a hearty, flavorful dish made with tender roasted potatoes topped with seasoned taco meat, melty cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. It’s an easy crowd-pleasing meal or side that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced russet or gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional toppings: jalapeños, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread potatoes evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain extra fat if needed.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Once potatoes are done, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or cast iron skillet.
- Top with the cooked taco meat and sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sour cream, salsa, green onions, and any additional toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños to the potatoes or taco meat.
- Use tater tots or hash browns for a shortcut version.
- Substitute beef with chicken or a meatless crumble for a lighter option.
- Great as a main dish or hearty side for Mexican-inspired meals.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course / Side Dish
- Method: Baked & Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potatoes
Diced potatoes form the base of the dish. Their crisp exterior and soft interior make the perfect foundation for taco-seasoned toppings.
Ground Beef
Savory ground beef provides hearty flavor and absorbs taco seasoning beautifully.
Onion
Chopped onion enhances the richness of the beef mixture and adds aromatic depth.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds warmth and rounds out the taco-inspired flavor profile.
Taco Seasoning
A blend of taco seasoning delivers spice, smokiness, and classic Tex-Mex character.
Olive Oil
A drizzle of olive oil helps crisp the potatoes and sauté the aromatics evenly.
Cheddar Cheese
Melted cheddar cheese provides a creamy, gooey finish that ties the entire dish together.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Soft-melting Monterey Jack adds additional richness and balances the sharper cheddar.
Bell Peppers
Diced bell peppers add freshness, sweetness, and color to the skillet.
Green Onions
Fresh green onions brighten the dish and offer a crisp finishing touch.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the diced potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until crisp and golden.
While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the onion until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, add a splash of water, and let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Add the diced bell peppers and stir gently to combine. Reduce the heat and top the mixture with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely. Garnish with green onions and serve warm. Adjust seasoning to taste and add your favorite toppings if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease..
A large baking sheet, a skillet, a spatula, a sharp knife, a cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon. Foil or a fitted lid helps melt the cheese quickly.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, roasting the potatoes requires 25–30 minutes, and assembling and melting the cheese adds about 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or warm gently in a skillet. Microwaving works but may soften the potatoes more than desired.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Taco Potatoes
Add jalapeños, hot taco seasoning, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Creamy Version
Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese for a richer filling.
Chicken Taco Potatoes
Use shredded chicken or ground chicken instead of beef.
Veggie-Loaded Skillet
Add corn, black beans, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
Cheesy Casserole Style
Bake everything in a casserole dish and add extra cheese on top.
Breakfast Taco Potatoes
Add scrambled eggs and top with salsa for a brunch-ready variation.
Low-Carb Swap
Replace potatoes with diced roasted cauliflower.
Smoky Depth
Add chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky kick.
Dairy-Free Option
Use dairy-free cheese blends and olive oil only.
Extra-Crispy Potatoes
Air fry the potatoes instead of roasting for superior crispness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, diced frozen potatoes or hash browns work well and save time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, roast the potatoes and cook the beef, then assemble and melt the cheese when ready to serve.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Spread them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely—just season it well for the best flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but it can be customized to be mild or hot.
Can I add toppings like in tacos?
Yes, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and cilantro all work wonderfully.
Do I need both cheeses?
Using both improves texture, but you may use one if preferred.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, replace beef with beans, lentils, or a plant-based crumble.
Why are my potatoes mushy?
They may have been steamed instead of roasted; ensure high heat and spacing.
Can I turn this into a one-pan meal?
Yes, if using parboiled or frozen potatoes, cook everything directly in the skillet.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Potatoes offer a comforting, flavorful fusion of Tex-Mex spices and crispy, cheesy potato goodness. This easy skillet meal is ideal for weeknights, gatherings, or anyone craving a hearty dish packed with bold flavor. With plenty of customization options and familiar ingredients, it is a recipe you will return to again and again.
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