Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Recipe
A flavorful and satisfying Loaded Potato Taco Bowl featuring crispy oven-baked potatoes topped with spiced ground beef, fresh guacamole, zesty salsa, and a generous sprinkle of melted Mexican cheese blend. This dish combines the heartiness of potatoes with classic taco flavors for a delicious Tex-Mex inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes (about 2 medium potatoes per person)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Beef Mixture
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef (regular or lean)
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
Guacamole
- 2 avocados, mashed with a fork
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Salsa
- 2 tomatoes, finely diced
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Toppings and Serving
- 2 cups (250 g) grated Mexican cheese blend
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Preheat oven and prepare potatoes: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) for at least 20 minutes. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. In a bowl, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Spread the potatoes evenly on the tray without overlapping. Use two trays if necessary.
- Bake potatoes: Bake the potatoes for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through, and swap trays if using two, until they are crisp and golden brown on the edges.
- Cook the beef mixture: While potatoes bake, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add ½ finely chopped red onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened. Add 500 g ground beef, cooking and breaking it apart for 3–4 minutes until browned. Stir in 1 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper, cooking for 30 seconds. Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until blended. Add ¼ cup water, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until most liquid evaporates.
- Make guacamole: In a medium bowl, combine 2 mashed avocados, ¼ bunch chopped coriander, ¼ diced red onion, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare salsa: In another medium bowl, mix 2 finely diced tomatoes, ¼ bunch chopped coriander, ¼ diced red onion, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Stir to combine and refrigerate until serving.
- Assemble the taco bowls: Divide the baked potatoes among four bowls. Top with the cooked beef mixture, sprinkle with 2 cups grated Mexican cheese blend, then add dollops of guacamole and salsa. Serve with lime wedges on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra melty cheese, use a cheese blend with higher moisture content and allow the cheese to rest on the hot beef and potatoes for a few minutes before serving to melt.
- If preferred, potatoes can be air fried at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway, for a quicker crisp option.
- This recipe serves four generous portions.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust seasoning in the guacamole and salsa to taste, adding more lime or salt as preferred.
Keywords: Loaded Potato Taco Bowl, baked potatoes, ground beef taco, Mexican cheese, guacamole, salsa, Tex-Mex dinner