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Side view close-up of a potato taco bowl served in a white bowl with a fork on the side.

Loaded Potato Taco Bowl

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Crispy roasted potatoes make the perfect base for this loaded taco bowl, topped with spiced beef, guac, salsa and cheese. Loaded Potato Taco Bowl is budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a fun way to mix up taco night without adding extra effort.

  • Total Time: 60–65 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale

POTATOES

  • 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes (I aim for roughly 2 medium potatoes per
  • person)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper

BEEF

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef (regular or lean)
  • 1 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water

GUACAMOLE

  • 2 avocados, mashed with a fork
  • ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
  • ¼ red onion, finely diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper

SALSA

  • 2 tomatoes, finely diced
  • ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
  • ¼ red onion, finely diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper

TO SERVE

  • 2 cups (250 g) grated Mexican cheese blend
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

POTATOES

  1. To oven bake – Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) for at least 20 minutes.
  2. To a large baking tray lined with baking (parchment) paper, add the potatoes, oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread the potatoes out evenly so they are not overlapping. Use two oven trays, if needed.
  3. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until crisp and golden, turning once halfway through (and swapping the trays once halfway through if using two trays).
  4. To air fry – Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the edges.

BEEF

  1. Meanwhile, to make the beef, heat the oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Add the minced beef, and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go.
  4. Add the sweet paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until well combined with the beef and spices.
  6. Add the water and simmer over low heat for 3–4 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.

GUACAMOLE

  1. To make the guacamole, place the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

SALSA

  1. To make the salsa, place the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

TO SERVE

  1. Divide the potatoes among four bowls. Top each bowl with the beef mixture, followed by a sprinkling of cheese (see note 1 for extra melty cheese). Dollop with the guacamole and salsa. Serve with lime wedges on the side, if using.

Notes

Note 1 – Place the bowls back in the 220°C (425°F (200°C/400°F fan-forced) oven for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Be careful removing them from the oven (use oven mitts) as they will be hot!

 

Make ahead

Potatoes – Dice in advance, then store covered with water in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Drain, pat dry with a paper towel, season and roast fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Beef – Make ahead as per the recipe. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight prior to reheating, or reheat from frozen. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.

Guacamole and salsa – For best results, both can be made 1 day in advance and stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge. For guacamole, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.

Leftovers

Leftover beef – Refrigerate for up to 3 days, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight prior to reheating, or reheat from frozen. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Great for lunch bowls the next day or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick taco!

Potatoes, guacamole, salsa and toppings – Refrigerate in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes in the air fryer or oven at 180°C (350°F) until crispy again.

  • Author: Nicole
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes chopping, guac/salsa prep)
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes (oven) or 20–25 minutes (air fryer)
  • Category: Beef, Family Favourites, Freezer-Friendly, Fakeaway, Gluten-free
  • Method: Oven, Air Fryer, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired