If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines hearty potatoes with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy roasted russet potatoes form the perfect base to hold savory, seasoned ground beef, all topped with a decadent blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. With fresh garnishes like green onions and sour cream adding the final touch, this dish is a party-ready, all-in-one meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day snack, you’re about to discover a new favorite that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crispy potatoes to the melty cheese and savory taco-seasoned beef, these simple ingredients come together effortlessly to make something truly special.
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes roast up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, forming the hearty base for the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the potatoes crisp evenly in the oven.
- Ground beef: Provides a savory, protein-packed element seasoned perfectly with taco spices.
- Taco seasoning mix: Infuses the beef with classic Tex-Mex flavors—smoky, spicy, and aromatic.
- Water: Helps the seasoning cling to the beef and creates a saucy coating.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it brings distinct cheesy richness to the dish.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that melts beautifully alongside the cheddar.
- Sour cream: A cool, tangy topping that balances the warmth and spice.
- Chopped green onions: Provide fresh crunch and color contrast on top.
- Salt and pepper: Basic essentials to season and enhance all components.
- Optional toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro: Customize with fresh, spicy, or herbaceous accents to your taste.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Toss the diced russet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure maximum crispiness. Let them roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get a beautiful golden brown on all sides. This step is key because those perfectly crisp potatoes are the foundation of this comforting dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no pink remains and it starts to brown. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily. Then, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in 1/4 cup water to help distribute those spices evenly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the beef is tender and coated in a delicious, thick taco sauce.
Step 3: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Transfer the roasted potatoes into a large oven-safe dish or skillet. Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the top, making sure every bite will have some savory meat. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Pop the dish back into the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbly blanket that ties all the flavors together.
Step 4: Add Final Toppings
Remove your Cheesy Taco Potatoes from the oven and immediately top with cool sour cream, fresh green onions, and any optional toppings you love like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro. These bright accents add a lovely freshness and kick that elevate each bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings truly make a difference. A dollop of sour cream brings creamy tang, while chopped green onions add both color and a mild bite that cuts through the richness. If you like a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro lift the dish with spicy and herbaceous notes. These garnishes make every serving feel vibrant and perfectly balanced.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands strong as a one-pan wonder, but pairing it with simple side dishes can turn it into a full feast. Bright green salads with citrusy dressings or a classic corn salad add freshness. For an extra Tex-Mex vibe, serve with refried beans, Mexican rice, or warm tortillas on the side. These sides bring complementary textures and flavors to complement your Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve this dish straight from the oven in a large skillet or casserole dish—everyone can help themselves. Want to elevate the experience? Plate individual portions topped with extra garnishes and a drizzle of hot sauce or guacamole. Another fun idea is to scoop portions into crispy taco shells or stuff into pita pockets for hand-held, loaded bites that are perfect for game days or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cheesy Taco Potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the potatoes from becoming soggy, try to separate any extra moist toppings like sour cream and add fresh portions when reheating.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best results, assemble through the roasting and beef cooking steps, then cool completely before layering cheeses. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until warmed through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crispiness— the oven will bring back that perfect roasted texture and melty cheese goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for roasting and crispiness, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative if you want a creamier texture. Just adjust the roasting time slightly as they may cook a bit faster.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or even cooked lentils seasoned with taco spices for a hearty, meat-free version that still packs all the flavor.
How spicy is the Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe?
The level of heat depends on the taco seasoning you use and the optional toppings. You can easily control the spice by choosing mild taco seasoning and leaving out spicy toppings like jalapeños or adding hot sauce if you want more kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the roasted potatoes and seasoned beef ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This saves time and makes it easy to pull together a warm meal quickly.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack brings the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. Pepper Jack cheese is a fun alternative if you want some extra spice.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. The crispy potatoes, savory spiced beef, and molten cheesy topping come together in a way that’s sure to satisfy every craving. I can’t wait for you to make it your own — it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and hearty Cheesy Taco Potatoes recipe featuring crispy roasted russet potatoes topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and fresh toppings for a flavorful Tex-Mex main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, spreading them evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season Beef: Add the taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup water to the beef. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes until the beef is fully coated in seasoning and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Dish: When potatoes are done roasting, transfer them into a large oven-safe dish or skillet. Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef over the roasted potatoes, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Dollop sour cream over the top, sprinkle chopped green onions, and add any optional toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
- Use pepper jack cheese or add hot sauce to increase the spice level.
- This recipe works well as a main dish, hearty side, or game-day appetizer.
