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A serving of cheesy taco potatoes with melted cheese and fresh toppings.

Cheesy Taco Potatoes

This hearty dish combines tender potatoes with savory taco meat and melted cheese, perfect for a satisfying meal. Customize with your favorite toppings for a personalized experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes
  • 1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) or 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water (if using packet seasoning)
  • 1-2 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting potatoes, if applicable)
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • salsa
  • guacamole
  • chopped lettuce
  • diced tomatoes
  • sliced jalapeños
  • fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Oven-safe dish
  • Microwave

Method
 

Prepare the Potatoes
  1. To roast, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), cube potatoes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-35 minutes until tender and golden brown, flipping halfway.
  2. Alternatively, to boil, cube potatoes, place in a pot with cold water and salt, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender and drain well.
Cook the Taco Meat
  1. While potatoes cook, brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water (if using a packet), simmering for 5-7 minutes until thickened and fully cooked.
Assemble
  1. Spread cooked potatoes in an oven-safe dish or skillet, then spoon taco meat evenly over them. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat layer.
Melt the Cheese
  1. To melt cheese, place the dish in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until bubbly, or microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds.
  2. Remove from oven or microwave, let sit for a minute, and serve hot with your preferred toppings.

Notes

For crispier roasted potatoes, ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Adjust taco seasoning to your spice preference. This dish is highly customizable with various toppings.