Description
Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and comforting dish combining crispy roasted russet potatoes with savory, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Finished with fresh toppings like sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, and optional olives and jalapeños, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a satisfying game day snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup water
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes.
- Roast the potatoes: Toss the diced russet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they become golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Cook the onions: While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the onions. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season the meat: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with 1/4 cup of water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the crispy roasted potatoes to a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Evenly spread the seasoned meat mixture over the potatoes.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the meat and potatoes layer.
- Broil to melt cheese: Place the dish under the oven broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly without burning.
- Add fresh toppings: Remove the dish from the oven and top with sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, black olives, and jalapeño slices as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy a cheesy, flavorful comfort meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Add guacamole or sliced avocado on top for an extra creamy touch.
- To increase heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes during assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
