Taco Potatoes Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of crispy potatoes and bold taco flavors. These Taco Potatoes are the perfect blend of comfort food and Tex-Mex goodness, making them a family favorite for busy weeknights.

this Recipe

I first discovered this dish when trying to use up leftover taco meat, and it quickly became a regular in our meal rotation. The crunchy, golden potatoes pair beautifully with the savory, spiced beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. Plus, it's an easy, budget-friendly recipe that comes together in no time!

Why You'll Love This Taco Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight meal. These Taco Potatoes are packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and completely customizable!

First off, they’re quick and simple. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.

They’re also budget-friendly. Potatoes and ground beef are affordable staples, making this a great meal when you're looking to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Best of all, this recipe is completely customizable. Whether you prefer ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a meatless version with black beans, you can easily tailor it to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Looking for a fun, family-friendly dinner? These taco potatoes are perfect for a build-your-own toppings bar, letting everyone add their favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado, and jalapeños.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Taco Potatoes recipe is in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is important.

Russet potatoes – These are the best choice for crispy, golden potatoes. Their starchy texture helps them develop a perfect crunch while staying fluffy on the inside. You can also use Yukon Golds if you prefer a creamier bite.

Ground beef – I typically use 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. You can also swap it for ground turkey or even chorizo for a spicier kick.

Taco seasoning – A good-quality taco seasoning makes all the difference! You can use a store-bought packet or make your own with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

Shredded cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully over the hot potatoes. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for an extra kick!

Toppings – This is where the fun begins! Sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado are all great additions to take these taco potatoes to the next level.

If you have an air fryer, you can use it to speed up the cooking process and get your potatoes extra crispy. Otherwise, a sheet pan and oven work just as well!

How To Make This Taco Potatoes Recipe

Making Taco Potatoes is incredibly simple and requires just a few easy steps.

Start by prepping your potatoes. Wash and dice them into bite-sized cubes, making sure to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden brown.

While the potatoes are roasting, cook the taco meat. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water to coat the meat in flavorful spices. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.

Once the potatoes are done, assemble your taco potatoes. Transfer them to a serving dish and top with the seasoned taco meat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot mixture, letting it melt naturally.

Now for the best part – adding toppings! Spoon on sour cream, drizzle with salsa, and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Want extra heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

This whole process takes about 35-40 minutes, making it a perfect meal when you need something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry – these Taco Potatoes store beautifully!

Refrigerator: Store any leftover potatoes and taco meat separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. This keeps the potatoes from getting soggy.

Freezer: If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooked taco meat in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Potatoes don’t freeze as well since they can become mushy when thawed, so it's best to make them fresh.

Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat potatoes in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes. Warm up the taco meat in a skillet or microwave, then reassemble with fresh toppings.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Taco Potatoes is how versatile they are! Here are some fun ways to switch things up.

Sweet potato version – Swap russet potatoes for diced sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-packed twist.

Meatless option – Skip the meat and use black beans, pinto beans, or even lentils seasoned with taco spices for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Breakfast taco potatoes – Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a delicious breakfast version. Perfect for weekend brunch!

Loaded nacho-style potatoes – Drizzle queso over the top instead of shredded cheese and add crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Spicy upgrade – Mix diced jalapeños into the potatoes before roasting or use spicy chorizo instead of ground beef for a fiery kick.

However you choose to make them, these Taco Potatoes are sure to become a staple in your home. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked! Enjoy!

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