Craving a dish that perfectly blends the crispy satisfaction of potatoes with the vibrant, bold flavors of your favorite taco night? Look no further than these incredible Taco Potatoes! This recipe takes diced, perfectly golden-brown air-fried potatoes and piles them high with savory, seasoned ground beef, a generous blanket of shredded cheese, and all the fresh, zesty toppings you could dream of. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a complete, hearty, and utterly delicious meal packed into one satisfying plate.
Taco Potatoes: Your New Favorite 30-Minute Meal
When the clock is ticking, but your family is craving something truly comforting and bursting with flavor, these Taco Potatoes come to the rescue. Imagine the sheer delight of a dish that combines two universally loved foods: crispy, tender potatoes and the irresistible taste of tacos. It’s a culinary match made in heaven that transforms ordinary weeknights into an exciting feast.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to quick, easy, and undeniably delicious home cooking. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a fast fix without compromising on taste. Forget the usual Taco Tuesday routine; these Taco Potatoes offer a fun, creative, and incredibly satisfying twist that’s sure to become a new family tradition.
“Made these tonight. They were very good!! Will definitely be making again! Thank you for the recipe!
– Rena”
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Potatoes
While our suggested seasonings offer a fantastic base, don’t hesitate to get creative! You can adjust the amounts of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to your personal preference. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of chili powder, a dash of paprika for color and warmth, or some earthy cumin. Cajun seasoning offers a spicy, robust flavor, while a garlic and herb blend (like Mrs. Dash) can introduce a different aromatic profile. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect potato seasoning blend!
Absolutely! The oven is a great alternative if you don’t have an air fryer or prefer traditional baking. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Coat the diced potatoes and season them according to the recipe instructions. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This helps them crisp up rather than steam.
3. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven and give the potatoes a good stir or flip them to ensure even browning.
4. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully golden brown and fork-tender. The total baking time will depend on the size of your potato dice and your oven’s calibration, so keep an eye on them!
Yes, this recipe is quite versatile when it comes to potato choice! While russet potatoes offer a classic fluffy interior and crispy exterior, red potatoes are an excellent alternative. They hold their shape well and have a slightly creamier texture. For a unique twist, you could even try using sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness would offer a delightful contrast to the savory taco meat, creating an interesting flavor combination that many enjoy.
Certainly! If you prefer a heartier, more loaded baked potato style, that’s a fantastic variation. You can prepare whole baked potatoes using your preferred method (oven-baked, air-fried, or even microwave-assisted). Once the potatoes are soft and ready, simply split them open, fluff the insides with a fork, and then load them up with the seasoned taco meat, shredded cheese, and all your favorite toppings. It’s like a giant, customizable taco potato bar!
Leftover Taco Potatoes are still delicious! To store them, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. For best results, I highly recommend storing the potatoes and taco meat separately from any fresh, moist toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or sour cream. The moisture from these toppings can cause the potatoes to become soggy and break down faster. When reheating, the best way to regain some crispness is in an air fryer or oven at 350-375°F (175-190°C) until heated through and slightly crispy again. A microwave will heat them, but they won’t be as crisp.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Taco Potatoes
Creating these sensational Taco Potatoes requires a simple yet impactful lineup of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture:
- Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for their fluffy interior when cooked and their ability to crisp up beautifully. Remember to peel and dice them into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or even a light olive oil works best for coating the potatoes, ensuring they get that desirable golden-brown crisp in the air fryer.
- Seasonings for Potatoes: A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is our go-to. This foundational seasoning enhances the natural potato flavor without overpowering the taco elements. As mentioned in our FAQs, feel free to explore other spice combinations!
- Ground Beef: The heart of our taco meat. Lean ground beef is often preferred to minimize excess grease. For dietary preferences or a lighter option, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutions, requiring minimal adjustment to the cooking process.
- Taco Seasoning Packet: For ultimate convenience and consistent flavor, a store-bought taco seasoning packet is perfect. Alternatively, if you prefer to control the spice levels and ingredients, you can easily make your own Homemade Taco Seasoning from scratch.
- Water: As specified on the back of your taco seasoning packet, water helps to hydrate the spices and create that classic saucy taco meat consistency.
- Mexican Shredded Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and other mild cheeses provides excellent melt and flavor. A simple bag of plain cheddar cheese or any other cheese you prefer (like Colby Jack or pepper jack for a kick) will work wonderfully.
- Optional Toppings: This is where you can truly customize your Taco Potatoes! We highly recommend fresh and vibrant additions like pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and cool sour cream. Other fantastic options include diced red onion, jalapeños, black olives, corn, fresh cilantro, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
How to Make Flavorful Taco Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide
Making these Taco Potatoes is a straightforward process, broken down into two main components: perfectly crisping the potatoes and preparing the savory taco meat. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure delicious results every time:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling your russet potatoes and dicing them into roughly ¾-inch cubes. Uniform sizing is key for even cooking. Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl.
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the diced potatoes with 3-4 tablespoons of your chosen oil. Add 1½ teaspoons of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Toss everything together vigorously until all the potato pieces are thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings. This ensures maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Transfer the seasoned potatoes to your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook in your air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes. For optimal crispness and even cooking, remember to shake the basket 2-3 times throughout the cooking cycle. The goal is beautifully golden-brown and tender potatoes. If you’re using an oven, refer to our FAQ section for detailed instructions.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are air frying, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and crumbled, ensuring no pink remains.
- Drain and Season the Beef: Once the ground beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important for a less greasy and more flavorful taco filling. Return the skillet to the heat.
- Simmer with Taco Seasoning: Add one packet of taco seasoning to the browned beef, along with the amount of water specified on the back of the seasoning packet (usually around ½ to ¾ cup). Stir well to combine, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook according to the packet directions, typically for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coated the beef. Remove from heat once done.
To Serve Your Taco Potatoes:
Once both the potatoes and taco meat are ready, it’s time to assemble your delicious meal! Start by layering a generous portion of the crispy, cooked potatoes on a plate or in a bowl. Next, spoon a hearty amount of the seasoned ground beef over the potatoes. Finally, sprinkle liberally with Mexican shredded cheese. The residual heat from the potatoes and meat will perfectly melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible layer. Finish with all your favorite optional taco toppings like fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
Craving More Delicious Potato and Taco-Inspired Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the combination of savory tacos and hearty potatoes, or simply enjoy comforting, flavor-packed meals, we’ve got even more recipes for you to explore. Expand your culinary repertoire with these fantastic dishes:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole
- Tex Mex Potatoes
- Taco Stuffed Potatoes
- Bacon Cheddar Potatoes
- Mississippi Mud Potatoes
- Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets
- Creamy Garlic Potato Packets
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos
- Taco Bell Enchiritos
- Taco Bubble Up
- Taco Mac and Cheese
- Cornbread Taco Bake
- Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Walking Tacos
- Doritos Taco Salad
- Taco Biscuit Cups
Taco Potatoes
A pile of crispy air-fried potatoes generously topped with savory seasoned ground beef and all your favorite taco fixings for a complete meal.
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
4 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Print Recipe | Pin Recipe
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 (amount called for on the back of the taco seasoning packet)
- 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream
Instructions
- Coat 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced, in 3-4 Tablespoons oil.
- Season potatoes with 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder and mix to make sure all the potatoes are coated.
- Cook potatoes in air fryer at 400F for 18-20 minutes (shaking basket 2-3 times during cooking).
- Brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef. Drain excess grease. Add 1 packet taco seasoning and water (use amount called for on the back of the packet of seasoning). Cook to packet directions. Remove from heat.
- To serve: layer cooked potatoes, topped with seasoned ground beef, then top with Mexican shredded cheese and optional taco toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, etc.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Dinner, Main Course
American
Nutrition
Calories:
768
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
43
g
|
Protein:
38
g
|
Fat:
50
g
|
Sodium:
1325
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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