Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Taco Potatoes bring together some of the best flavors—crispy potatoes, seasoned taco beef, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese—all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and easy to make, making it ideal for busy days when you need a quick dinner. With optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños, this recipe can be customized to suit your taste and spice preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 4-6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream

• Diced tomatoes

• Green onions

• Chopped cilantro

• Jalapeño slices

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. Prepare the Potatoes
   In a large bowl, toss the peeled and diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden and fork-tender.

3. Cook the Taco Beef
   While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
   Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, pour in the water, and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

4. Assemble the Dish
   Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to your greased baking dish.
   Spoon the seasoned taco beef evenly over the roasted potatoes.

5. Add the Cheese
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef and potatoes.

6. Bake
   Return the dish to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.

7. Serve
   Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Add your favorite toppings—such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños—before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans or a combination of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

• Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or top with spicy hot sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes can be used for a healthier twist on the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as sweet potatoes may take a bit longer to roast.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Roast the potatoes and cook the taco beef beforehand, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the dish and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Assemble it in a freezer-safe container, but don’t bake it yet. Freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well in this recipe and offer a leaner alternative to ground beef.

5. What are some good toppings for Cheesy Taco Potatoes?

In addition to the suggested toppings, you can also add guacamole, shredded lettuce, sliced olives, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for extra flavor.

6. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add extra taco seasoning, jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase the heat. You can also try using a spicy cheese like pepper jack for more flavor.

7. How can I make this dish even more cheesy?

For an extra cheesy experience, try mixing some cheese into the taco beef or layering cheese between the potato layers for more gooeyness.

8. Can I serve this as a side dish?

Yes, you can definitely serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes as a side dish to tacos, grilled meats, or even a salad.

9. How do I know when the potatoes are done roasting?

The potatoes are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside and fork-tender on the inside. You can test them by piercing one with a fork.

10. Can I add other spices to the beef mixture?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor of the taco beef.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a deliciously comforting and satisfying dish that combines crispy potatoes with flavorful seasoned beef and melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite toppings and spices. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, this is a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

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