Name: Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes (or 6–8 small), diced into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend); 1/4 cup water; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro

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Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again, because Cheesy Taco Potatoes are about to make your weeknight dinner dreams come true! Imagine golden, crispy roasted potatoes piled high with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and all the colorful taco toppings you crave. This family-friendly bake delivers irresistible Tex-Mex flavor in every bite, plus it’s budget-friendly, super easy to pull off, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a hungry crowd, Cheesy Taco Potatoes are the hearty, satisfying answer you’ve been searching for.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple, pantry-ready ingredients, each playing a starring role in making Cheesy Taco Potatoes so crave-worthy. High-quality basics combine for the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and zesty – proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients for a seriously tasty meal.

4 medium russet potatoes: These are the foundation! Their starchy interior roasts up fluffy and perfectly soak in all the flavors.
2 tbsp olive oil: Ensures your potato cubes roast to golden, crispy perfection without sticking.
1 tsp chili powder: Adds that smoky, earthy base note we all associate with classic taco flavor.
1 tsp paprika: Gives a subtle warmth and a boost of beautiful color to those roasted potatoes.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the whole dish with savory depth (never skip the garlic!).
1/2 tsp cumin: Delivers that signature Tex-Mex taste; you’ll notice if it’s missing!
1/2 tsp salt: Brings out the full flavor of the potatoes and melds all the seasonings together.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just a hint of spicy complexity to balance out the cheese and beef.
1 lb ground beef: Best for a rich, hearty topping, but you can sub ground turkey or chicken as you wish.
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade): This shortcut adds layers of flavor instantly – homemade blends welcome!
1/4 cup water: Helps turn taco seasoning into a saucy mix that coats every bit of beef.
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Cheese is the magic that holds it all together and makes every bite luscious.
Optional toppings: Go wild with favorites like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, or cilantro for a festive finish!

How to Make Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy. Dice your russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes – no need to peel, unless you prefer it. Toss them with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give them a good stir to ensure every cube is coated in that vibrant, spicy blend. This is the base for your Cheesy Taco Potatoes, so season confidently!

Step 2: Roast Those Spuds

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the hot oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through with a spatula. You’re looking for crispy edges and tender centers – the kind of texture that holds up under all that glorious taco beef and melty cheese.

Step 3: Cook the Taco Beef

While your potatoes are getting golden, grab a skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Brown your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat, creating the ultimate taco topping.

Step 4: Layer It All Together

Once your potatoes have finished roasting, take them out and while they’re hot, sprinkle half the shredded cheese right over the top. Then, pile the taco-seasoned beef evenly across the bed of potatoes and top it off with the rest of the cheese. This creates gooey, cheesy pockets in every forkful, making Cheesy Taco Potatoes totally irresistible.

Step 5: Melt and Serve

Slide the baking sheet back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Serve your Cheesy Taco Potatoes piping hot, straight from the pan. Don’t forget the fresh toppings for that extra punch of flavor and color!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Cheesy Taco Potatoes, the more the merrier! Fresh toppings like a dollop of sour cream, chunky salsa, creamy guacamole, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro not only add vibrant color, but amp up the flavor and texture. Each person can build their plate exactly how they like it!

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with simple, crowd-pleasing sides. Crisp tortilla chips, a light cabbage slaw, or a tangy corn salad are perfect partners for Cheesy Taco Potatoes. You can also keep it classic with a side of refried beans or a fresh fruit salad for a cool counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take your Cheesy Taco Potatoes to the next level? Try serving them in small cast iron skillets for individual portions – the cheese stays melty and fun! Or, set up a “potato taco bar” with bowls of toppings and let everyone layer their favorites. For parties, bake the potatoes in a casserole dish, cut into squares, and serve as a hearty appetizer bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Cheesy Taco Potatoes, let the dish cool to room temperature before covering and placing it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days for quick lunches or hassle-free dinners.

Freezing

Cheesy Taco Potatoes freeze surprisingly well! Cool the assembled (but un-topped) potatoes and beef mixture, then store in a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, add fresh cheese and toppings, and reheat in the oven for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or bake larger servings, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot. Add extra cheese before reheating if you want that just-baked gooeyness, and always finish with fresh garnishes to bring the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russets?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and a lovely orange color. They’ll roast at the same temperature, though they may cook slightly faster, so check them a couple of minutes early.

What’s the best way to make this vegetarian?

Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sauteed black beans and corn. Add a little extra seasoning for flavor. You won’t miss the meat with all the cheesy, zesty goodness!

Can I make Cheesy Taco Potatoes in advance?

Yes! You can roast the potatoes and cook the beef ahead of time, then layer and refrigerate. Pop the assembled dish into a hot oven to melt the cheese just before serving, so it’s fresh and bubbly.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Shredded cheddar and Mexican blend cheese both melt beautifully and offer rich, classic flavor. If you like it extra spicy, pepper jack cheese is a fun twist!

Do Cheesy Taco Potatoes work as a party dish?

Definitely! Serve in a big casserole or as mini portions in cups or on skewers for easy, hand-held bites. Set out toppings bar-style and watch everyone dig in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to get rave reviews, Cheesy Taco Potatoes are your answer. This is the kind of recipe that checks every box: easy, family-approved, and undeniably delicious. Give it a try and watch your dinner table light up – you’ll be adding Cheesy Taco Potatoes to your regular rotation in no time!