If you’re craving a comforting meal that combines bold flavors with a cozy, cheesy finish, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe. This dish masterfully blends tender potatoes, savory ground beef spiced with taco seasoning, and melty cheese into one irresistible skillet meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat that everyone will love. The magic lies in its simplicity and those vibrant tex-mex flavors that come together in such a warm, hearty way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is your first step to nailing this recipe, and honestly, they’re straightforward but carry a lot of punch. Each item adds a unique element, whether it’s the texture of the potatoes, the zest from the seasoning, or the creamy finish from the cheese.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and creates a lovely base flavor.
- Onion (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a little crunch when cooked down just right.
- Potatoes (2 1/2 cups, cubed): The hearty base that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 lb.): Brings savory richness and protein to the dish.
- Low Sodium Taco Seasoning (1 packet): Infuses a perfect blend of spices without overpowering.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can, 10 oz.): Adds a tangy kick plus a touch of heat and juiciness.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup): Melted on top to introduce that gooey, irresistible cheesy goodness.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil in a cast iron skillet or a sturdy sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and potatoes and let them cook until the onions soften and release their wonderful fragrance. This step builds the savory foundation for the entire dish and softens the potatoes just enough to prep them for the next stage.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly until it’s nicely browned, stirring to break it up evenly. Make sure to drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy while still maintaining that juicy flavor burst from the meat.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes
Sprinkle the taco seasoning right over the beef and potatoes, then pour in the diced tomatoes along with all their flavorful juices. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients with that zesty seasoning and increase the moisture content, which helps the potatoes become tender and infuses the whole dish with bold Tex-Mex character.
Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Cover your skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soak up the liquid and become fork tender. This simmering step is crucial because it marries all the flavors and softens the potatoes to perfection without turning them mushy.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top and let it melt gently right on the stove. This final cheesy layer adds a luscious, creamy texture that pulls everything together into one irresistible bite. Serve it hot for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top to add a burst of color and a fresh herby note. A dollop of sour cream or avocado slices on the side can also add a cool, creamy contrast to those spicy taco flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some crisp tortilla chips to balance out the richness. Black beans or Mexican rice would also make great companions, enhancing the meal’s festive vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe in individual small cast iron skillets or in crispy tortilla bowls. You can also top it with a fried egg for brunch or sprinkle extra cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for an even tastier follow-up meal.
Freezing
This easy recipe freezes beautifully, too. Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Adding a splash of water before reheating helps keep the potatoes tender and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the taco seasoning and cheese. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed since sweet potatoes may soften faster.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor and meltability, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend can also work beautifully for a creamier texture and milder taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but always double-check your taco seasoning packet to avoid hidden gluten.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken offers a lighter protein option while still absorbing all the delicious seasoning. Just cook it thoroughly as you would the beef.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends mostly on your taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. For a milder dish, opt for mild seasoning packets or adjust by adding extra cheese and sour cream to cool down the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple to make, full of bold flavors, and incredibly satisfying with every cheesy, savory bite. Give it a try next time you want a quick but unforgettable dinner—you’re going to love how easy and delicious this recipe is to pull together.
Print
Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes recipe combines hearty cubed potatoes with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a blend of Tex-Mex spices cooked together in a skillet, resulting in tender potatoes infused with savory taco flavors topped with gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Produce
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
Meat
- 1 lb. ground beef
Pantry
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 packet Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Begin by heating a cast iron skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to warm up for sautéing.
- Sauté onion and potatoes: Add the diced onion and cubed potatoes to the hot oil and cook for several minutes until the onions turn soft and emit a fragrant aroma.
- Cook the ground beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, then drain off any excess grease if needed to reduce fat content.
- Add seasoning and tomatoes: Stir in the packet of low sodium taco seasoning along with the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles including the liquid, evenly combining all ingredients.
- Simmer until potatoes are tender: Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and become fork tender as the flavors blend together.
- Add cheese and serve: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, letting it melt slightly before serving the dish hot for a delicious cheesy taco potato meal.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best even heating and flavor development.
- Drain grease thoroughly after browning beef to reduce excess fat.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount depending on your spice preference.
- Potatoes should be cubed roughly uniformly for even cooking.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra flavor.
