Cheesy Taco Potatoes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
4–6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled (optional) and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
½ cup water
Cheese & Extras
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
(or Mexican blend)
½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
½ cup diced onion
½ cup corn
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup diced tomatoes or Rotel
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (extra flavor)
Toppings (Optional)
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Jalapeños
Extra sour cream
Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Potatoes
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced potatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender and lightly golden.
Remove potatoes from skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
In the same skillet, add ground beef and diced onion (if using).
Cook over medium heat, breaking meat apart, until fully browned.
Drain excess grease if needed.
3️⃣ Season the Beef
Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
Simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
4️⃣ Combine
Return potatoes to the skillet with the seasoned beef.
Add corn, beans, or tomatoes if using.
Gently stir to combine and heat through.
5️⃣ Add the Cheese
Reduce heat to low.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mixture.
Cover skillet and cook 3–5 minutes, until cheese is fully melted.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
Remove from heat.
Stir in sour cream if using.
Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños.
Serving Ideas
Serve as a stand-alone meal
Spoon into tortillas for taco potato wraps
Top with a fried egg for breakfast-style taco potatoes
Serve with a side salad for balance
Pro Tips
For crispier potatoes, cook them in the skillet without stirring too often.
Want extra cheesy? Add cheese in two layers.
Russet potatoes work best, but Yukon Golds are great too.
Variations
Spicy: Add cayenne or diced green chilies
Creamy: Mix in ¼ cup cream cheese
Chicken Version: Swap beef for ground chicken
Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes
