Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious twist on classic loaded potatoes, combining crispy seasoned potatoes with savory taco beef and melted cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or game day snack.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced
• 3-4 tablespoons oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Water, as directed on taco seasoning packet
• 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toss the peeled and diced potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until they are evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Air fry the seasoned potatoes at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket 2–3 times during cooking to ensure even crisping.
3. Step 3: While the potatoes cook, brown and crumble the ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess grease.
4. Step 4: Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef according to the package instructions, then simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Arrange the cooked potatoes on a serving plate, top with the seasoned ground beef, then sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Garnish with optional toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier texture, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add extra spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to the potatoes for more depth of flavor.
• Swap the Mexican shredded cheese for cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the potato’s crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the potatoes instead of air frying?

Yes, bake the seasoned potatoes at 425°F for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

What can I use instead of taco seasoning?

You can make your own taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if you prefer a homemade option.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious, easy-to-make dish combining crispy air-fried seasoned potatoes with savory taco-spiced ground beef and melted Mexican cheese. Perfect as a comforting meal or a flavorful side, this recipe brings together classic taco flavors in a hearty potato base, topped with optional fresh toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream for added zest.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced
• 3–4 tablespoons oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Water, as directed on taco seasoning packet

Toppings

• 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream

Instructions

1. Prepare and season potatoes: Toss the small diced peeled russet potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until they are evenly coated to ensure maximum flavor.
2. Air fry the potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket 2 to 3 times during cooking to achieve even crisping on all sides.
3. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then add the taco seasoning along with water as directed on the seasoning packet. Simmer the mixture following the package instructions to develop rich taco flavors.
4. Assemble the dish: Lay the crispy air-fried potatoes on a serving plate. Top them evenly with the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese on top so it melts slightly from the warmth. Garnish with optional toppings such as pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream to enhance the flavor profile.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, soak diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning, then pat dry thoroughly.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier or vegetarian version.
• Adjust seasoning quantities to taste, especially salt and spice levels.
• Serve immediately for best texture, as potatoes may lose crispness if left to sit too long.
• Air fryer models vary; monitor potatoes closely towards the end of cooking to avoid burning.

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Potatoes, air fryer potatoes, taco beef recipe, Mexican cheese potatoes, easy taco dish