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recipe image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing the fresh ingredients arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight featuring potatoes ground beef taco seasoning cheese sour cream tomatoes onions bell peppers jalapeos garlic cumin chili powder paprika cilantro lime juice black beans corn avocado shredded lettuce
C. Motter Cindy

Cheesy Taco Potatoes

A comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of taco seasoning with creamy potatoes and melted cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Potatoes and Seasoning
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey if preferred
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or about 3 tablespoons of homemade blend
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles like Rotel, undrained
  • 1 can diced green chiles optional for extra heat
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
  • sour cream for serving
  • chopped cilantro for serving
  • sliced jalapeños for serving
  • diced avocado for serving
  • shredded lettuce for serving

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • Large skillet,
  • Large Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Prep the Potatoes
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with the olive oil. Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  3. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden and are tender when pierced with a fork.
Brown the Beef
  1. While the potatoes are roasting, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it is browned, drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it is fragrant.
Build the Taco Flavor
  1. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (and the optional can of green chiles if using them).
  2. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will see it thicken and smell that amazing taco aroma fill your kitchen.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Take the roasted potatoes out of the oven and place them directly into your greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread them out evenly.
  2. Pour the seasoned beef mixture over the top of the potatoes. Gently stir everything together so the potatoes are well coated in the saucy, flavorful meat.
Add the Cheese
  1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Do not be shy. This is what makes it gloriously cheesy.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Place the dish back in the oven (no need to change the temperature) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to brown around the edges.
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it set up so it is easier to serve.
  2. Then, scoop it onto plates and top with your favorite toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a few slices of jalapeño.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20g

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with one can of drained and rinsed black beans and one cup of frozen corn. For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality vegan shredded cheese that melts well. If you are following a low-carb plan, you can substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets, though the texture will be different.
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