Taco Potatoes Recipe

Looking for a fun and tasty way to elevate your potato game? Taco Potatoes combine the crispy, golden goodness of roasted potatoes with the bold, spicy flavors of tacos. It’s a versatile dish that works as a hearty side or a delicious main course. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you’re craving something comforting and full of flavor.

Who doesn’t love tacos and potatoes? They’re two universally beloved foods. Now imagine combining them into one mouthwatering dish: Taco Potatoes! These crispy roasted potatoes are seasoned to perfection with a blend of taco spices, then topped with all your favorite taco toppings—cheese, sour cream, avocado, and more. It’s a dish that’s satisfying, easy to make, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Dice the Potatoes: Wash and dice the potatoes into small, even pieces. The smaller the pieces, the crispier they’ll get in the oven.
3. Toss with Olive Oil and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated.

Making the Taco Seasoning

4. Make Your Own Taco Seasoning: If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, simply combine all the ingredients listed under “Homemade Taco Seasoning” in a small bowl. Use as much as you like for your potatoes and save the rest for later!

Roasting the Potatoes

5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
6. Roast Until Crispy: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Adding the Toppings

7. Melt the Cheese: Remove the potatoes from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over them. The heat from the potatoes will melt the cheese perfectly.
8. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Once the cheese is melted, top the taco potatoes with sour cream, diced avocado, green onions, cilantro, and a dollop of salsa if desired.

Tips for Perfect Taco Potatoes

Using Different Types of Potatoes

While russet or Yukon gold potatoes are the go-to for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other varieties like sweet potatoes or red potatoes. Sweet potatoes will add a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the taco spices.

Adjusting the Spice Level

If you like your taco potatoes on the spicier side, increase the amount of chili powder or add some crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, stick to the basic seasoning without extra heat.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives. The result is still delicious, and everyone can enjoy it!

Loaded Taco Potatoes

For an extra indulgent version, load your taco potatoes with additional toppings like crumbled bacon, black beans, corn, or jalapeños. You could even drizzle a bit of hot sauce or creamy ranch dressing for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

What to Pair with Taco Potatoes

Taco potatoes are a filling dish on their own, but if you’re serving them as a side, they pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork. You could also serve them alongside a fresh salad or some Mexican street corn.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover taco potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The toppings can be stored separately to keep them fresh.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This helps to retain their crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy as when first made.

FAQs

1. Can I Make Taco Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
   Yes, taco potatoes can be made in an air fryer! Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
2. What Are the Best Potatoes for This Recipe?
   Russet potatoes and Yukon gold are the best options for taco potatoes because they crisp up nicely when roasted. However, red potatoes or sweet potatoes are also great choices depending on your preference.
3. Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
   Yes! You can prep the potatoes and toss them with the seasoning ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast them. You can also dice and store the toppings separately to save time when serving.
4. Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
   You can use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns for a quicker version of this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry before tossing with seasoning to ensure they roast up crispy.
5. Is There a Way to Make This Dish Healthier?
   To make this recipe a bit healthier, use a lighter cheese, reduce the amount of oil, and opt for non-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed topping.

Yield: 4

Taco Potatoes Recipe

Print

Looking for a fun and tasty way to elevate your potato game? Taco Potatoes combine the crispy, golden goodness of roasted potatoes with the bold, spicy flavors of tacos. It’s a versatile dish that works as a hearty side or a delicious main course. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you're craving something comforting and full of flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, diced into bite-sized cubes
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Optional toppings: guacamole, jalapeños, diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
2. Cook the Meat: While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water to the meat, stirring to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated.
3. Assemble the Taco Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large serving dish. Top with the seasoned ground beef or turkey, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the meat and potatoes should melt the cheese.
4. Add Toppings: Dollop the sour cream and salsa on top of the cheesy taco potatoes. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired. Add optional toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
5. Serve: Serve immediately while hot, either as a main dish or a hearty side.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with black beans or a meat substitute.
• You can also make this dish using sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor.
• Adjust the spice level by using a hot taco seasoning or adding some hot sauce.