Crispy roasted potatoes make the perfect base for this loaded taco bowl, topped with spiced beef, guac, salsa and cheese. This Loaded Potato Taco Bowl recipe is budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a fun way to mix up taco night without adding extra effort.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr
Ingredients
POTATOES
700gpotatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes (I aim for roughly 2 medium potatoes per person)
2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
1tspsweet paprika
1tspgarlic powder
½tspsea salt flakes
¼tspfreshly cracked black pepper
BEEF
1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
½red onion, finely chopped
500gminced (ground) beef (regular or lean)
1tbspsweet paprika
1tbspground cumin
1tsponion powder
1tspgarlic powder
1tspdried oregano
1tspsea salt flakes
¼tspfreshly cracked black pepper
2tbsptomato paste
60mlwater
GUACAMOLE
2avocados, mashed with a fork
¼bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
¼red onion, finely diced
1lime, juiced
½tspsea salt flakes
¼tspfreshly cracked black pepper
SALSA
2tomatoes, finely diced
¼bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
¼red onion, finely diced
1lime, juiced
½tspsea salt flakes
¼tspfreshly cracked black pepper
TO SERVE
250ggrated Mexican cheese blend
Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
To oven-bake the potatoes – Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) for at least 20 minutes.
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.
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).
To air fry the potatoes – 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.
Cook the beef – Meanwhile, to make the beef, heat the oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat.
Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the minced beef, and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go.
Add the sweet paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until well combined with the beef and spices.
Add the water and simmer over low heat for 3–4 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Make the guacamole – Place the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Make the salsa – Place the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Assemble and serve – 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.
Nutrition Facts
Loaded Potato Taco Bowl
Amount per Serving
Calories
1017
% Daily Value*
Fat
73
g
112
%
Saturated Fat
25
g
156
%
Trans Fat
2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
36
g
Cholesterol
148
mg
49
%
Sodium
2052
mg
89
%
Potassium
2048
mg
59
%
Carbohydrates
52
g
17
%
Fiber
14
g
58
%
Sugar
7
g
8
%
Protein
44
g
88
%
Vitamin A
2717
IU
54
%
Vitamin C
61
mg
74
%
Calcium
523
mg
52
%
Iron
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.