Baked Potato Tacos Recipe

Zesty Baked Potato Tacos Recipe: A Fresh Fiesta Favorite

Crispy, golden baked potato tacos dance with unexpected flavor on your plate.

Potatoes bring a hearty twist to traditional taco night, breaking culinary boundaries.

Mexican-inspired comfort meets creative cooking in this simple yet delightful dish.

Soft tortillas cradle creamy, seasoned potato filling that promises satisfaction.

Spices mingle with tender potato chunks, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and creamy texture.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these irresistible tacos.

Let’s transform your dinner into a celebration of delicious innovation.

Baked Potato Tacos Ingredients

Potato Base:
  • Russet Potatoes: Perfect sturdy potatoes for creating crispy wedges, ideal for a hearty base. Choose medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin and no green spots.
Seasoning for Potatoes:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior for potato wedges. Extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing potato flavor and creating a tasty seasoning blend.
Meat Filling:
  • Ground Beef: Primary protein for the taco filling. Select 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and moisture.
  • Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture. Yellow or white onions work best.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: Provides traditional Mexican-inspired spice blend for meat. Store-bought or homemade seasoning works well.
  • Water: Helps create sauce-like consistency for meat mixture and blend seasonings.

Baked Potato Tacos Easy Assembly Steps

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Potatoes

Crank up your oven to a sizzling 425°F.

Grab those potatoes and give them a thorough scrub under cool water.

Dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Slice and Season Potato Wedges

Slice potatoes into bold, chunky wedges.

Drizzle with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss the wedges until they’re evenly coated and spread them out on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven.

Roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through.

You’re looking for wedges that are crispy, golden brown, and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 4: Brown the Beef and Onions

While potatoes are roasting, grab a skillet and heat it over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Cook and break up the meat until it’s fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 5: Season the Meat

Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and a splash of water.

Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes super flavorful.

Step 6: Assemble Your Taco Feast

Arrange the crispy potato wedges on a plate.

Top generously with the seasoned beef.

Add your favorite taco toppings like:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Salsa

Serve immediately and enjoy your potato taco adventure!

Taco Assembly Tips for Baked Potato Shells

  • Pat potatoes completely dry before slicing to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy wedges.
  • Toss potato wedges in olive oil before adding salt and pepper to help seasonings stick evenly and create a more flavorful coating.
  • Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to prevent greasy tacos and allow seasonings to coat the meat more effectively.
  • Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based crumbles to suit different dietary preferences and make the recipe more versatile.
  • Top finished tacos with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add extra freshness and nutrition.

Store Baked Potato Tacos for Later

  • Store leftover baked potato tacos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.
  • Restore crispy potato wedges by spreading leftovers on a baking sheet and warming at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain their original texture.
  • Keep potato wedges and meat filling in different containers to prevent soggy ingredients, allowing you to reassemble tacos with maximum crunch when ready to eat.

Best Pairings for Baked Potato Tacos

  • Elevate Your Potato Taco Experience
  • Match Crisp Red Wines: Zinfandel or Tempranillo complement the rich beef and crispy potato textures, cutting through the hearty flavors with their bold fruit notes.
  • Pair with Fresh Citrus Salsa: Bright lime-based salsa adds zesty contrast to the savory meat and potatoes, enhancing the overall taco experience with tangy freshness.
  • Serve with Cool Cilantro Cream: Blend sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a touch of lime juice to create a smooth, cooling sauce that balances the spicy taco seasoning and adds creamy depth.
  • Recommend Craft Beer Companions: Mexican lagers or amber ales work perfectly, offering light carbonation and malty undertones that harmonize with the beef and potato flavors.

Baked Potato Tacos with Fun Fillings

  • Vegetarian Potato Tacos: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless option. Season with the same taco spices for rich flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Potato Tacos: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and sprinkle chili powder for extra heat. Top with hot sauce or sriracha for more kick.
  • Gluten-Free Potato Tacos: Use corn tortillas instead of flour. Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free and select certified gluten-free ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potato wedges with roasted cauliflower florets. Season similarly and follow the same baking method for a lower-carbohydrate version.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat for these tacos?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I know when the potato wedges are perfectly crispy?

The potato wedges are done when they have a golden-brown exterior and can be easily pierced with a fork. They should have a crisp outside and a soft, tender inside.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. If you prefer mild flavors, choose a mild seasoning or reduce the amount. For more heat, opt for a spicy taco seasoning or add extra chili powder.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu. Adjust the seasoning to ensure a flavorful filling.

Baked Potato Tacos Put a Crispy Spin on Taco Night

  • Quick and Easy Meal Preparation: Whip up these delicious baked potato tacos in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Transform classic taco ingredients into a crispy, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its exciting twist on traditional recipes.
  • Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Use affordable ingredients like potatoes and ground beef to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Top these baked potato tacos with your favorite garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or salsa, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
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Baked Potato Tacos Recipe

Baked Potato Tacos Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy potato tacos bring Mexican street-style comfort right to your kitchen. Loaded with spicy seasoned potatoes, these handheld delights offer a perfect blend of crunch and flavor that you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, rinsed clean and patted dry
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) taco seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) diced yellow onion
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water

Optional Toppings:

  • finely shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small Roma tomato, diced and seeds removed
  • prepared guacamole or diced avocado
  • sour cream
  • fresh cilantro, chopped
  • green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes under cool running water, ensuring all dirt is removed, then meticulously dry with clean kitchen towel.
  2. Transform potatoes into uniform wedge-shaped segments, coating them generously with olive oil, complemented by precise seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Arrange potato wedges strategically on baking sheet, creating single layer without overcrowding to guarantee optimal crispiness.
  4. Position sheet in preheated oven, roasting for approximately 35-40 minutes, rotating wedges midway to achieve golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
  5. Meanwhile, activate cast-iron skillet over medium flame, introducing ground beef and finely diced onion to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
  6. Eliminate accumulated fat from meat mixture, then integrate robust taco seasoning and measured water, allowing combination to simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Once potato wedges emerge crisp and potatoes reach perfect tenderness, transfer to serving platter.
  8. Generously layer seasoned ground beef atop roasted potato wedges, creating tantalizing base for taco-inspired dish.
  9. Embellish with complementary toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and zesty sour cream to elevate culinary experience.

Notes

  • Customize potato wedges by experimenting with different seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes for extra flavor depth.
  • Make this recipe vegetarian by substituting ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles, maintaining the same cooking technique.
  • Control crispiness by ensuring potato wedges are cut uniformly and spread out on the baking sheet without overcrowding, allowing proper air circulation.
  • Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef or ground turkey, and draining excess grease thoroughly after cooking the meat.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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