Cheesy Taco Potatoes

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Update : April 4, 2026

Delicious cheesy taco potatoes topped with sour cream and cilantro.

why make this recipe

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are a delicious and comforting dish that combines the hearty goodness of potatoes with the bold flavors of tacos. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or a fun twist on traditional tacos. It offers a satisfying crunch from the potatoes, along with the savory taste of seasoned beef and melted cheese. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings!

how to make Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced (900 g)
  • 3-4 tablespoons oil (45-60 mL)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (7 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper (1 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (3 g)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450 g)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Water, as directed on taco seasoning packet
  • 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese (225 g)
  • Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream

Directions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the diced russet potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until they are evenly coated.
  3. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-20 minutes. Shake the basket 2-3 times during cooking for even crisping.
  4. While the potatoes are cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
  5. Add the taco seasoning to the beef along with water as instructed on the seasoning packet. Stir well and let it simmer according to package directions.
  6. Once the potatoes are crispy, layer them on a serving plate. Top with the seasoned beef and sprinkle with the Mexican shredded cheese.
  7. Garnish with any optional toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or sour cream.

how to serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes

Serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes warm, right after cooking. They make a great main dish or a hearty side. You can place all the toppings on the side, allowing everyone to customize their plates according to their taste.

how to store Cheesy Taco Potatoes

If you have leftovers, let the Cheesy Taco Potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

tips to make Cheesy Taco Potatoes

  • For extra crunch, make sure to toss the potatoes well in oil and seasonings.
  • You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
  • Consider adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition and texture.

variation

You can easily switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. You can also add bell peppers or onions to the potatoes for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes would also work well in this recipe, adding a hint of sweetness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While the potatoes are best served fresh, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook the potatoes.

Is it possible to make this dish in the oven?
Absolutely! You can bake the seasoned potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through.

Print
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Cheesy Taco Potatoes


  • Author: jena
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

A delicious and comforting dish that combines hearty potatoes with bold taco flavors, perfect for family dinners and game day snacks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced (900 g)
  • 34 tablespoons oil (4560 mL)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (7 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper (1 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (3 g)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450 g)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Water, as directed on taco seasoning packet
  • 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese (225 g)
  • Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the diced russet potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until they are evenly coated.
  3. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-20 minutes. Shake the basket 2-3 times during cooking for even crisping.
  4. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
  5. Add the taco seasoning to the beef along with water as instructed on the seasoning packet. Stir well and let it simmer according to package directions.
  6. Layer the crispy potatoes on a serving plate. Top with the seasoned beef and sprinkle with the Mexican shredded cheese.
  7. Garnish with any optional toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or sour cream.

Notes

Great served warm with toppings on the side for customization. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Potatoes, Taco Recipe, Potato Dish

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