There's something irresistible about the combination of crispy potatoes, savory taco-seasoned meat, and melty cheese. This Taco Potatoes recipe brings together all those bold, comforting flavors in one easy, family-friendly dish.

I first discovered this recipe when trying to find a way to use up leftover taco meat and some baked potatoes. One bite, and I was hooked! Now, it's a go-to for busy weeknights when I want something hearty but simple.
Whether you're looking for a fun twist on taco night or a creative way to jazz up potatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let's dive in!
Why You'll Love This Taco Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that combines two favorites—tacos and potatoes—into one satisfying meal. These taco-loaded potatoes check all the right boxes: delicious, easy, and totally customizable.
1. Perfect for Any Meal
Whether you're making them for dinner, lunch, or even brunch, these taco potatoes fit the bill. You can even serve them as a side dish or a main course.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal!
3. Budget-Friendly and Filling
Potatoes are an affordable pantry staple, and ground beef (or turkey) stretches easily to feed a crowd. This dish is a great way to create a satisfying meal without spending a fortune.
4. Totally Customizable
Love spice? Add some jalapeños. Want extra veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or corn. This recipe is easy to tweak based on what you have on hand.
If you're looking for a meal that's as fun to make as it is to eat, this one is for you. Now, let's talk about what you'll need.
Ingredients Notes

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here's what you’ll need:
1. Potatoes
I recommend using russet potatoes because they get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Yukon golds or even sweet potatoes would also work well for a slightly different taste.
2. Ground Beef
A classic choice for taco filling, ground beef (80/20) provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
3. Taco Seasoning
Store-bought taco seasoning works great, but if you prefer homemade, a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano will do the trick.
4. Cheese
For that gooey, melty goodness, I love using cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend. Pepper jack is great if you want an extra kick.
5. Toppings
This is where you can really make the dish your own! Classic toppings include sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, avocado, and cilantro. Don't forget a drizzle of hot sauce if you like some heat!
You’ll also need a large skillet and a baking sheet for crisping up the potatoes.
How To Make Taco Potatoes

Making these Taco Potatoes is a breeze. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub and dice four medium russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the Taco Seasoning
Stir in 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) of taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large serving dish or individual plates. Spoon the taco meat over the top, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Let the heat from the meat and potatoes melt the cheese.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Now for the fun part—toppings! Add sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, avocado slices, jalapeños, or any of your favorite taco toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
From start to finish, this dish takes about 30-35 minutes, making it an easy weeknight winner.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover taco potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate for best results.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked taco meat for up to 3 months in a sealed container. The potatoes, however, are best enjoyed fresh since they can lose their crispiness when frozen.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the taco meat in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat the potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations:
1. Vegetarian Taco Potatoes
Skip the meat and use black beans, pinto beans, or lentils instead. You can also add roasted corn and bell peppers for extra flavor.
2. Sweet Potato Version
Swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist. The combination of taco seasoning and roasted sweet potatoes is amazing!
3. Low-Carb Option
If you're watching carbs, try using roasted cauliflower or zucchini instead of potatoes. They’ll soak up all the taco flavor beautifully.
4. Breakfast Taco Potatoes
Turn this into a brunch favorite by adding scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on top. Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa.
5. Spicy Kick
Like it spicy? Use hot taco seasoning, add chopped jalapeños, or drizzle with your favorite spicy salsa.
No matter how you make them, these Taco Potatoes are bound to be a hit. Try them out, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings!
PrintTaco Potatoes Recipe
Taco potatoes combine crispy, seasoned potatoes with flavorful taco toppings like ground beef, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. This easy and hearty dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a game-day snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, baked
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Bake potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 50-60 minutes until tender.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water, simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Slice baked potatoes open and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Top with seasoned beef, cheese, sour cream, salsa, green onions, and olives.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for chicken or beans for a different twist.
- Add jalapeños for extra spice.
- Use sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
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