Description
Cheesy Taco Potatoes combine crispy air-fried diced russet potatoes, flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef, and melted Mexican cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. This easy-to-make dish features golden, seasoned potatoes topped with seasoned beef and gooey cheese, customizable with toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it blends classic taco flavors with crispy potato texture for a family-friendly, hearty main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced
- 3–4 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Ground Beef and Taco Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (choose brand with fewer additives)
- Water, as directed on taco seasoning packet
Cheese and Optional Toppings
- 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese (four cheese blend preferred)
- Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small, uniform half-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat them completely dry to remove moisture. Toss the diced potatoes with 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until every piece is evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer inside the basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously 2 to 3 times during cooking for even browning. Potatoes should be golden and crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains and it is nicely browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- Season and Simmer Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet and the water amount specified on the packet to the cooked beef. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook according to package directions, typically 3–5 minutes, until the liquid reduces and beef is well coated in seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the crispy potatoes on a serving plate or individual plates. Top with a generous layer of seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle the Mexican shredded cheese on top while the beef is still hot, allowing the cheese to melt naturally. Garnish with optional toppings such as pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream to taste.
Notes
- Each serving provides approximately 38 grams of protein, making this a complete meal.
- Potatoes can be prepared and seasoned up to 2 hours ahead and reheated in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months when cooked potatoes and beef are stored separately.
- For crispier potatoes, ensure they are thoroughly dried before oiling and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake potatoes on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping once midway.
- Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef, adding a tablespoon of oil when cooking for moisture.
- Vegetarian option: replace meat with seasoned black beans or lentils.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy Taco Potatoes, Air Fryer Potatoes, Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Mexican Cheese, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Potato Recipe
