Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Looking for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal to add to your weeknight dinner rotation? This Cheesy Taco Potatoes recipe delivers the bold flavor of tacos combined with the comfort of cheesy potatoes. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this dish is ideal for busy families or anyone craving a warm and savory casserole-style meal.

ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
½ cup water
1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, salsa

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub and chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes or until tender and golden.
3. While the potatoes are roasting, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add taco seasoning and ½ cup of water to the beef. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
5. Once the potatoes are done, transfer them to a greased baking dish. Layer the seasoned taco meat over the potatoes.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake in the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or salsa before serving.

serving and storage tips

serving tips
Serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes hot and fresh out of the oven, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, diced green onions, chopped cilantro, or a splash of salsa. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, guacamole, or a warm tortilla for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve it in individual bowls with a toppings bar so everyone can customize their portion.

storage tips
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you plan to freeze the dish, assemble everything but the cheese, freeze, and then add the cheese just before baking. Frozen portions can last up to 2 months. Always thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

variations

chicken cheesy taco potatoes
Swap the ground beef for shredded or diced cooked chicken. Toss it with taco seasoning and a little water or salsa before layering over the roasted potatoes. This variation offers a lighter, slightly leaner flavor profile and works well with Monterey Jack cheese.

vegetarian cheesy taco potatoes
Replace the meat with a mix of seasoned black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Sauté the mixture with taco seasoning for flavor. This plant-based version is hearty and protein-packed, perfect for meatless Mondays or vegetarian diets.

loaded cheesy taco potatoes
Top the finished dish with crispy bacon bits, sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch or chipotle sauce. This crowd-pleasing version turns it into a fully loaded taco-bake experience.

spicy cheesy taco potatoes
Add diced jalapeños, red chili flakes, or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for extra heat. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Great for those who love bold, fiery flavors.

sweet potato taco bake
Use peeled and cubed sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory taco meat and cheese, offering a unique flavor combination that’s both comforting and nutritious.

cheesy taco potato skillet
Instead of baking, cook the potatoes and beef in a large skillet. Once everything is cooked, top with cheese and cover until it melts. This method is faster and perfect for stovetop meals without using the oven.

queso-style taco potatoes
Mix in a creamy queso or nacho cheese sauce instead of using shredded cheese alone. This results in a creamier, more indulgent texture that’s especially appealing for cheese lovers.

taco potato bowls
Serve the seasoned potatoes and taco meat in individual bowls with cheese and fresh toppings like lettuce, salsa, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips. A fun and customizable option for family dinners.

breakfast taco potatoes
Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to the taco meat, turning the dish into a hearty breakfast bake. Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce for a morning kick.

low-carb version
Swap potatoes with roasted cauliflower or zucchini. Keep the taco meat and cheese the same. It’s a great option for those watching their carb intake while still enjoying the rich taco flavors.

FAQs

1. can i use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and offer a creamier texture. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking.

2. can i make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can roast the potatoes and cook the taco meat in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

3. how do i make it less spicy for kids?
Use mild taco seasoning and avoid spicy toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also mix in a bit of sour cream for a milder flavor.

4. can i use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean substitute and works well with taco seasoning and cheese.

5. what other cheeses can i use?
Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mexican blend, or Colby cheese. Any good melting cheese will work well.

6. can i make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat first, then layer everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

7. how do i make this dish creamier?
Mix in some sour cream or cream cheese with the taco meat before layering. You can also drizzle with queso before baking.

8. are leftovers good the next day?
Yes, the flavors meld even more overnight. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

9. can i add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.

10. how can i stretch this meal to serve more people?
Add an extra potato or two, increase the meat slightly, or serve it with rice, tortillas, or a side salad to make it go further.
Cheesy Taco Potatoes are the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites: cheesy casseroles and flavorful tacos. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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