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Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

Cheesy Taco Potatoes combine crispy air-fried russet potatoes with flavorful seasoned ground beef and melted Mexican cheese for a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish. Topped with classic garnishes such as pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream, this easy recipe serves as a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced
  • 3-4 tablespoons oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Ground Beef

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Water, as directed on taco seasoning packet

Cheese and Toppings

  • 8 ounce bag Mexican shredded cheese
  • Optional toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare and season potatoes: Peel and dice russet potatoes into small cubes. Toss them in a large bowl with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  2. Cook potatoes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 to 8 minutes to ensure even crisping and browning.
  3. Cook ground beef: While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and the required amount of water according to the packet instructions. Simmer the beef mixture until the sauce thickens and flavors meld, typically 5 minutes.
  4. Assemble dish: Once the potatoes and beef are ready, layer the crispy potatoes on a serving plate. Top with the seasoned ground beef and sprinkle generously with Mexican shredded cheese. Add optional toppings such as pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream to enhance the flavor profile.

Notes

  • Using an air fryer provides a crispy texture while using less oil compared to traditional frying.
  • Make sure to shake the air fryer basket periodically to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • You can customize the toppings to your preference, adding jalapeños or cilantro for extra heat and freshness.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the potato seasoning mix.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.