CHEESY TACO POTATO SKILLET
INGREDIENTS
5 small/medium potatoes
Olive oil + salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for potatoes)
1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp salt and pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp each of cumin, paprika, and dried cilantro
1 tbsp minced garlic
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups white queso
Sour cream
Cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
Peel, wash potatoes, and cut up into cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (I don't use exact measurements for this part).
Cook potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking them around at least a couple times while they cook.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
Drain any extra grease. Season with salt, cayenne, chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried cilantro, and black pepper. Add minced garlic and stir well.
Once the potatoes and ground beef are cooked, combine them together in the skillet and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Put the skillet in the oven at 400°F to melt the cheese.
Pour warmed-up queso over them. Top with taco sauce. This is also good wrapped up in tortillas as burritos!
This Cheesy Taco Potato Skillet is a fantastic way to combine hearty potatoes with delicious taco flavors for a satisfying meal. Using air-fried potato cubes tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika ensures they are crispy on the outside and soft inside without the need for deep frying. The ground beef is seasoned with a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, cayenne, paprika, dried cilantro, and fresh garlic which infuses the meat with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors. For best results, cook the potatoes at 400°F in an air fryer for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Browning the ground beef in a skillet and draining excess grease before seasoning helps keep the dish flavorful but not greasy. Combining the potatoes and beef in one skillet, then topping with shredded cheddar cheese and melting it under the oven’s heat adds a rich cheesy layer that complements the spices perfectly. To elevate the dish, warm white queso can be generously poured over the skillet before serving along with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro garnish for added creaminess and brightness. This versatile recipe can also be turned into burritos by wrapping the cheesy mixture with warmed tortillas, making for an easy handheld meal. This recipe perfectly suits taco Tuesday or quick family dinners that crave comforting, savory flavors with minimal prep. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods makes it accessible even for beginner cooks. By using common pantry spices and fresh ingredients, you get a homemade dish that rivals takeout with the benefit of being customizable to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with this cheesy taco potato skillet by adding other toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or avocado to further personalize the dish. This recipe ticks all the boxes for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying skillet meal perfect for sharing or meal prepping for the week ahead.
OMG, YES. Potatoes instead of tortillas for taco night is genius!