Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines two crowd favorites—loaded potatoes and tacos—into one incredible meal. The crispy roasted potatoes are seasoned perfectly, creating the ideal base for the taco meat, cheesy sauce, and fresh toppings. The cheese sauce adds a creamy richness, while the fresh toppings like lime, cilantro, and tomato brighten up the whole dish. Plus, it’s a great dish to serve when you want a hearty, filling meal that’s easy to customize to everyone’s taste!

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 4-5 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Taco Meat:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (use 3/4 for meat, reserve 1/4 for topping)
• 1 packet (approx. 1 oz) taco seasoning
• ½ – 1 cup water or beef broth

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 oz freshly grated mild cheddar cheese (grate your own for best results)

For Toppings:

• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Reserved 1/4 chopped yellow onion
• Your favorite hot sauce (e.g., Taco Bell sauce)
• Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, avocado or guacamole

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sliced potato rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly in the seasoning. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
2. Cook the taco meat: While the potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Add 3/4 of the chopped onion and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ to 1 cup of water or beef broth, depending on the desired consistency. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, add the salt, pepper, chili powder, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Assemble the bowls: Once the potatoes are done, arrange them in individual bowls or on a platter. Top with the taco meat, followed by the cheese sauce. Add your desired toppings, including the lime juice, diced tomato, cilantro, reserved onion, and a drizzle of hot sauce. For extra richness, add sour cream or Greek yogurt, and for some heat, include sliced jalapeños or avocado/guacamole.
5. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls immediately while hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Use sweet potatoes: Swap out the Russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-dense variation.
• Spicy cheese sauce: Add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the cheese sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the potatoes, taco meat, and cheese sauce separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.

2. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for the cheese sauce.

3. Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like sliced olives, pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor.

4. How can I make the potatoes crispier?

To make the potatoes even crispier, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast them for a few more minutes, keeping a close eye on them.

5. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even fresh chilies to increase the spice level. You can also add hot sauce to the toppings.

6. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef would work well as an alternative to ground beef.

7. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cheese and substitute the milk and butter in the cheese sauce with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the components separately for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

9. Can I use pre-made taco meat or cheese sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought taco meat or cheese sauce as a shortcut, but homemade versions tend to add more flavor.

10. What can I serve with Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls?

These bowls are hearty on their own, but you can serve them with a side of chips, salsa, or a simple side salad for added freshness.

Conclusion

Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy seasoned potatoes with savory taco meat, rich cheese sauce, and fresh, zesty toppings. This dish is perfect for a family meal or casual get-together and is easily customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or love to spice things up, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite!

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