Cheesy Taco Potatoes
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Flavor Profile: Cheesy, savory, mildly spicy, comforting
Description
Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a hearty one-pan comfort dish combining crispy roasted potatoes, seasoned taco meat, melty cheese, and your favorite taco toppings. It’s like a loaded taco meets a cheesy potato casserole—perfect for weeknight dinners, game day food, or a potluck favorite.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium russet or Yukon gold)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
For the Taco Meat
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning or homemade seasoning:
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp salt
⅓ cup water
Cheese + Toppings
1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Sour cream (optional)
Salsa or pico de gallo
Sliced green onions
Jalapeños
Cilantro
Avocado or guacamole
Instructions
1. Prepare and Roast the Potatoes (25–35 minutes)
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Dice potatoes into small ½-inch cubes for faster cooking and crispier results.
In a large bowl, toss potatoes with:
olive oil
salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
2. Cook the Taco Meat (8–10 minutes)
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground meat until brown.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Add taco seasoning + ⅓ cup water.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
3. Combine and Melt the Cheese (5 minutes)
When potatoes are done, add them to the skillet with taco meat (or transfer to baking dish).
Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
Cover with a lid just until the cheese melts (2–3 minutes)
—or broil for 2 minutes if using a baking dish.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
Top with:
sour cream
salsa
green onions
jalapeños
cilantro
avocado
Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
To Make it Spicier
Add diced jalapeños to the potatoes while roasting
Use pepper jack cheese
Add hot sauce to the taco meat
To Make it Healthier
Use turkey or chicken instead of beef
Swap some potatoes for roasted cauliflower
To Make it Creamier
Mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before adding shredded cheese
Vegetarian Option
Replace the meat with black beans, refried beans, or seasoned tofu crumbles.
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Yes! Use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns. Roast or pan-fry them until crispy before adding taco meat.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast the potatoes and cook the taco meat in advance. Combine and heat with cheese just before serving.
Q3: What’s the best cheese for melting?
A: Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack melt well.
Q4: How can I make it less spicy for kids?
A: Use mild taco seasoning, omit jalapeños, and use plain cheddar.
Q5: Can I cook the potatoes in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway.
Q6: Could I turn this into a casserole?
A: Yes—layer roasted potatoes in a dish, top with taco meat and cheese, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Q7: What sides go well with this?
A: Mexican rice, corn salad, black beans, or a simple side salad.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
A printable version
A slow cooker version
A 5-ingredient shortcut version
A shopping list
A kid-friendly version