Cheesy Taco Potatoes: A Hearty & Flavorful One-Pan Meal!
Get ready for a delicious and incredibly satisfying dinner with these Cheesy Taco Potatoes! This ingenious recipe combines tender, seasoned ground beef, perfectly roasted potatoes, and a generous blanket of melty cheese into one irresistible dish. It’s all the bold, savory flavors of your favorite tacos, but in a comforting, easy-to-make, and hearty potato format that’s perfect for a family weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Taco Potatoes
- All-in-One Meal: It’s a complete, balanced dish with protein, carbs, and veggies (optional, but highly encouraged!).
- Flavor-Packed: Bold taco seasoning infuses both the beef and the potatoes.
- Comforting & Hearty: Warm, tender potatoes and savory meat make for a super satisfying dish.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal cleanup, often doable in one large pan or sheet pan.
- Customizable: Load it up with your favorite taco toppings!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Cheesy Taco Potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes (about 2-2.5 lbs total), scrubbed clean
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting potatoes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese
Optional Taco Toppings for Serving:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced red onion or green onions
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Guacamole or diced avocado
- Sliced black olives
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions: Roast, Simmer, and Melt!
1. Prepare and Roast the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the Russet potatoes into ¾ to 1-inch cubes. Try to make them as uniform as possible for even cooking. Place the potato cubes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly golden brown.
2. Cook the Taco Meat:
While the potatoes are roasting, cook the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is well-seasoned. Remove from heat.
3. Combine and Add Cheese:
Once the potatoes are roasted, you can either: * Option A (Single Pan): Add the cooked taco meat directly to the baking sheet with the roasted potatoes. Stir gently to combine. * Option B (Layered Casserole): Transfer the roasted potatoes to a 9×13 inch baking dish, then spread the taco meat evenly over the potatoes.
Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potato mixture.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Return the baking sheet or casserole dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
5. Serve and Customize:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Serve hot, allowing everyone to customize their Cheesy Taco Potatoes with their favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Tips for Taco Potato Perfection
- Potato Consistency: Cutting potatoes into similar-sized cubes ensures they cook evenly. Russets are great for crispiness, but Yukon Golds also work well.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give potatoes space on the baking sheet to roast and crisp up; otherwise, they’ll steam.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper on the potatoes before roasting.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you have homemade taco seasoning, use it! You can control the salt and spice.
- Add Veggies: For a more complete meal, you can sauté diced onions or bell peppers with the ground beef before adding the taco seasoning.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a toaster oven for best results.
These Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a fantastic way to enjoy all the vibrant flavors of tacos in a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy-to-make dish!