Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and comforting twist on classic taco flavors, combined with crispy, seasoned potatoes. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with family and friends.

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

1. Step 1: Toss the diced russet potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Air fry the seasoned potatoes at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket 2–3 times during cooking to ensure even crisping.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain excess grease.
4. Step 4: Add the taco seasoning and the amount of water indicated on the seasoning packet to the beef. Simmer according to the package directions until well combined and flavorful.
5. Step 5: Layer the cooked potatoes on a serving plate, top with the seasoned ground beef, then sprinkle generously with Mexican shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy potatoes, soak diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning and air frying.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to beef.
• Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Use shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese if Mexican blend is not available.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, or microwave if in a hurry. If using the microwave, consider adding toppings fresh after reheating to keep their best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these potatoes without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the seasoned potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the potatoes and ground beef separately in advance, then assemble and add cheese and toppings just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

Cheesy Taco Potatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy air-fried diced russet potatoes seasoned with classic taco spices, topped with seasoned ground beef and melted Mexican shredded cheese. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or a fun twist on traditional tacos without the shell.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Beef

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Water, as directed on taco seasoning packet

Toppings

• 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream

Instructions

1. Prepare and season potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small pieces. Toss them in a bowl with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
2. Cook potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket 2 to 3 times during cooking to ensure the potatoes crisp evenly on all sides.
3. Cook ground beef: While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Brown and crumble the beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and the recommended amount of water from the packet, then simmer according to the package instructions until the sauce thickens.
4. Assemble dish: Once the potatoes are crispy and the beef is fully seasoned, layer the potatoes on a serving platter. Top with the seasoned ground beef, sprinkle generously with Mexican shredded cheese, and add optional toppings such as pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream to taste.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, soak diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
• Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your spice preference.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative.
• This dish works well as a main course or as a party appetizer when served in smaller portions.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in an air fryer or oven for best results.

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Potatoes, air fryer potatoes, taco ground beef, Mexican cheese, easy dinner, air fryer recipes, weeknight meal