Short, golden-brown potatoes topped with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese—doesn’t that just sound like the epitome of comfort food? These Cheesy Taco Potatoes are perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike. They’re the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy and full, and oh, the compliments you’ll receive! Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser! They bring together the heartiness of russet potatoes with the zesty flavors of taco seasoning, making this dish a perfect blend of comfort and satisfaction. Preparing this meal is quick and requires only budget-friendly ingredients, which makes it a go-to for any busy cook. Whether it’s a family weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or a simple potluck, this recipe shines every time.
“These Cheesy Taco Potatoes are now a staple in our home! They’re easy to make, and my kids can’t get enough of them!” — Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Cheesy Taco Potatoes is as easy as pie! The process involves tossing diced potatoes with seasoning, air frying them to golden perfection, and layering them with flavorful ground beef and cheese. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious meal.
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What You’ll Need
Get ready to gather these simple, hearty ingredients for your Cheesy Taco 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
- 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
Feel free to substitute with sweet potatoes for a healthier twist or use ground turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option!
Directions to Follow
- Toss diced russet potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Air fry the seasoned potatoes at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket 2–3 times during cooking for even crisping.
- In a skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and water as instructed on the packet, then simmer according to package directions.
- Layer cooked potatoes on a serving plate, top with seasoned ground beef, sprinkle with Mexican shredded cheese, and garnish with desired toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Cheesy Taco Potatoes are delightfully versatile. Serve them as a main dish with toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or sour cream for a fiesta on your plate. You could pair them with a fresh side salad, some warm tortilla chips, or even spicy jalapeños for a little kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you manage to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for crispy goodness, or you can pop them in the microwave—just note that they’ll lose a bit of their crisp. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled dish. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For perfectly crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd your air fryer—cook in batches if necessary! Preheating your air fryer also makes a big difference in achieving that golden-brown finish. Lastly, don’t skip on the seasoning; it’s what brings those potatoes to life!
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the ground beef for ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick alternate. Add black beans or corn to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor, or use different cheese types to mix things up. The possibilities are endless!
Common Questions
How long does it take to prep this dish?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking takes roughly 20 minutes, making this dish easy to whip up even on busy nights.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the taco seasoning packet you choose is labeled gluten-free, and you’re all set.
What if I want to use different toppings?
Feel free to get creative! Sliced olives, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing all enjoy a space on top of these tasty potatoes.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to make Cheesy Taco Potatoes your new favorite weeknight meal. Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Taco Potatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy
Description
Short, golden-brown potatoes topped with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese— a perfect blend of comfort and satisfaction.
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
- Toss diced russet potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Air fry the seasoned potatoes at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket 2–3 times during cooking for even crisping.
- In a skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and water as instructed on the packet, then simmer according to package directions.
- Layer cooked potatoes on a serving plate, top with seasoned ground beef, sprinkle with Mexican shredded cheese, and garnish with desired toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Notes
For perfectly crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd your air fryer and preheat it for the best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican