Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a fun and tasty dish! They mix crispy potatoes with zesty taco flavors and gooey cheese. It’s like taco night and movie night rolled into one!
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just bake some potatoes, load them up with taco goodies, and top with cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or fun gathering with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are perfect for this dish because they hold their shape after cooking. If you can’t find these, regular potatoes can work too. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Ground Beef: I love the flavor of beef here, but you can use ground turkey or chicken as lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or lentils, seasoned the same way!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but making your own is easy! Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. This way, you can adjust flavors to your liking.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor and melts perfectly. If you want something different, try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute. You can also use dairy-free sour cream if you’re looking for a vegan option.
How Do I Get Potatoes Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that golden-brown crust on the potatoes is a key step! Start with boiling them just until fork-tender. Then, draining and drying them helps a lot. When you add them to the skillet, don’t overcrowd them, so they can crisp up nicely.
- Heat your skillet well before adding oil and potatoes.
- Keep the heat at medium for consistent cooking.
- Don’t rush it! Allow them to sit without stirring too much, which helps form that crust.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes boiling and crisping the potatoes, and another 10-15 minutes for cooking the beef and baking everything together. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Potatoes:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under running water. Place them in a pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until they are just fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re done, drain the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Crisp the Potatoes:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the boiled potatoes to the skillet and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a nice golden-brown crust. Once they’re crispy, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. Next, add the taco seasoning mix and a splash of water (following the packet instructions). Stir everything well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the beef is fully coated with the seasoning. Remove from heat.
4. Combine and Bake:
Now, return the crispy potatoes to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
When you remove the skillet from the oven, garnish your cheesy taco potatoes with the diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. Finish it off with a dollop of sour cream right in the center. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty dish either as an appetizer or a main course!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is delicious, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils to suit your dietary preferences.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own taco seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spices based on your taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with your choice of plant-based protein, such as lentils, tofu, or tempeh, seasoned exactly as you would the beef for a flavorful vegetarian option.
