Name: Cheesy Taco Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: Russet potatoes; Olive oil; Salt and pepper; Ground beef; Taco seasoning; Shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream; Chopped green onions; Diced tomatoes; Sliced jalapeños (optional); Chopped cilantro (optional)

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Cheesy Taco Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up I didn’t know I needed. With crispy roasted potatoes smothered in seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and classic taco toppings, this dish is a cozy, satisfying, and flavorful take on taco night. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or craving something hearty for dinner, this recipe never fails to impress. Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines all the bold flavors of tacos with the rich, savory heartiness of roasted potatoes. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a hit with both adults and kids. I can customize it with my favorite toppings, and it works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for game-day snacks or potlucks.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Russet potatoes
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Ground beef
Taco seasoning
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Chopped cilantro (optional)

directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I dice the potatoes into small cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on the sheet.
I roast the potatoes for about 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
While the potatoes are roasting, I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. I simmer it until the mixture thickens.
Once the potatoes are ready, I transfer them to a large oven-safe dish or skillet, top them with the taco meat, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
I return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I finish it off with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish—35 minutes for roasting and 10 minutes for preparation and assembly.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a leaner option. I’ve also added black beans or corn to the mix for extra texture. When I want to make it vegetarian, I skip the meat and load it up with beans, sautéed peppers, and onions. A drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle mayo gives it a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I either pop it in the microwave for a quick fix or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to keep the potatoes crispy. I avoid freezing it since potatoes can get grainy after thawing.

FAQs

How do I make this dish spicier?

I like to add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use spicy taco seasoning to turn up the heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I roast the potatoes and cook the taco meat in advance, then assemble and bake it just before serving.

What kind of cheese works best?

I prefer sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and taste great.

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work in a pinch. I make sure to roast them until they’re crispy before adding the toppings.

What toppings go well with this dish?

Besides the classics, I sometimes add avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a fun, filling, and flavorful way to shake up taco night. I love how easy it is to throw together and how satisfying every bite is. Whether I’m serving it up for family dinner or sharing it at a gathering, this recipe always delivers a big payoff with minimal effort.